11/06/2026
Most people planning for their retirement count on their Social Security benefits to make up part or most of their income – but did you know that those benefits can be subject to federal taxes? To figure out how much you might pay, follow this equation to determine your combined income:
(monthly Social Security benefits x 6) + anticipated annual income = combined income
The anticipated annual income will come from your pensions, ordinary dividends, interest, capital gains distributions, and wages. Now you can check to see how much of your benefits might be subject to federal income tax.
Filing individually:
đź’° If your combined income is between $25,000 and $32,000, you may owe federal income tax on up to 50% of your benefits.
đź’° If your combined income is more than $32,000, you may owe federal income tax on up to 85% of your benefits.
Filing jointly:
đź’° If your combined income together is between $32,000 and $44,000, you may owe federal income tax on up to 50% of your benefits.
đź’° If your combined income together is more than $44,000, you may owe federal income tax on up to 85% of your benefits.
I know this is complicated – that’s why I’m here to help! Share this information to help others, and leave your questions in the comments below.