- Will You Qualify for Social Security Retirement Benefits?
- When Can You Collect Full Social Security Retirement Benefits?
- How Much Will You Collect?
- What Can Your Spouse Expect to Receive?
- What If You Want to Receive Social Security Retirement Benefits Early?
- How Much Can You Earn without Reducing Your Benefits?
- What If You Postpone Collecting Your Benefits?
- How About Inflation and Social Security?
- Will Your Social Security Benefits be Taxable?
- Auditing Your Social Security Statement
Some of you have to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return).
You will pay tax on only 85 percent of your Social Security benefits, based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. If you:
• file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your combined income* is
between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits.
more than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.
• file a joint return, and you and your spouse have a combined income* that is
between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits.
more than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.
• are married and file a separate tax return, you probably will pay taxes on your benefits.
If your income falls below the above limits, none of your Social Security will be taxed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When deciding between investing in taxable or tax-exempt investments, keep in mind that tax-exempt interest is added back to income when determining how much of your Social Security benefits are taxable. So, if your tax-exempt interest causes your Social Security benefits to be taxable, this effectively lowers the after-tax yield of your investments—something you should consider when you make your investment decisions.
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and Mint Wealth Advisors are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Mint Wealth Advisors, and may also be employees of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union or Mint Wealth Advisors. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency | Not Credit Union Guaranteed | Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations | May Lose Value |
*The LPL Financial Registered Representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: NJ, PA, NY, DE, AZ, MI, FL, MD, TX, VA, GA, NC.
Financial Learning Center content created by TrueBridge, Inc. The information provided is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. The content contained herein is intended for information and illustrative purposes only, should not in any way be construed as a personal recommendation, and should be used in conjunction with individual professional advice.