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E. Ray Critchett, Zaino & Humphrey, LPA | Ray Critchett
If you received Social Security benefits in 2009, you need to know whether or not these benefits are taxable. Here are seven facts the Internal Revenue Service wants you to know about Social Security benefits so you can determine whether or not they are taxable to you.
1. How much - if any - of your Social Security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status.
2. Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income for 2009, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.
3. If you received income from other sources, your benefits will not be taxed unless your modified adjusted gross income is more than the base amount for your filing status.
4. Your taxable benefits and modified adjusted gross income are figured on a worksheet in the Form 1040A or Form 1040 Instruction booklet.
5. You can do the following quick computation to determine whether some of your benefits may be taxable:
. First, add one-half of the total Social Security benefits you received to all your other income, including any tax exempt interest and other exclusions from income.
. Then, compare this total to the base amount for your filing status. If the total is more than your base amount, some of your benefits may be taxable.
6. The 2009 base amounts are:
. $32,000 for married couples filing jointly.
. $25,000 for single, head of household, qualifying widow/widower with a dependent child, or married individuals filing separately who did not live with their spouses at any time during the year.
. $0 for married persons filing separately who lived together during the year.
7. For additional information on the taxability of Social Security benefits, see IRS Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits. Publication 915 is available at IRS.gov or by calling
1. How much - if any - of your Social Security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status.
2. Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income for 2009, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.
3. If you received income from other sources, your benefits will not be taxed unless your modified adjusted gross income is more than the base amount for your filing status.
4. Your taxable benefits and modified adjusted gross income are figured on a worksheet in the Form 1040A or Form 1040 Instruction booklet.
5. You can do the following quick computation to determine whether some of your benefits may be taxable:
. First, add one-half of the total Social Security benefits you received to all your other income, including any tax exempt interest and other exclusions from income.
. Then, compare this total to the base amount for your filing status. If the total is more than your base amount, some of your benefits may be taxable.
6. The 2009 base amounts are:
. $32,000 for married couples filing jointly.
. $25,000 for single, head of household, qualifying widow/widower with a dependent child, or married individuals filing separately who did not live with their spouses at any time during the year.
. $0 for married persons filing separately who lived together during the year.
7. For additional information on the taxability of Social Security benefits, see IRS Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits. Publication 915 is available at IRS.gov or by calling
Answer Applies to: Ohio
Replied: 8/3/2010
Law Offices of James C. Bechler, A.P.C. | James Bechler
That depends. Taxation of Social Security benefits is based upon combined income of both you and your spouse (if you have a spouse)- as calculated by adding your adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest earned plus one-half of your Social Security benefits.
If you file a federal income tax return as an individual with a combined income between $25,000 and $34,000 - 50% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax. If your combined income exceeds $34,000 - 85% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax.
If you and your spouse file a joint income tax return - 50% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax if your combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000. If your combined income exceeds $44,000 - 85% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax.
If you are married filing a separate income tax return, you might have to pay income tax on your entire Social Security benefit.
If you file a federal income tax return as an individual with a combined income between $25,000 and $34,000 - 50% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax. If your combined income exceeds $34,000 - 85% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax.
If you and your spouse file a joint income tax return - 50% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax if your combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000. If your combined income exceeds $44,000 - 85% of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax.
If you are married filing a separate income tax return, you might have to pay income tax on your entire Social Security benefit.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/3/2010
