At what age is Social Security no longer taxed in the US? (2024)

Prior to 1984, Social Security benefits were not taxed. However, to kept the Trust Fund that supports the program solvent, bipartisan legislation was passed to tax a portion of payments to seniors citizens, surviving spouses and the disabled if they had income above certain thresholds.

At the onset, less than one in ten beneficiaries paid income tax on their benefits. But that percentage has risen over time since unlike benefits the thresholds were not indexed to inflation and in the intervening four decades no inflation adjustments have been made. This meant that as benefits rose, more recipients crossed over the thresholds. Now 56 percent of beneficiaries pay income tax on a portion of their benefits, sometimes as much as 85% if their total income exceeds upper thresholds.

There is no age at which you will no longer be taxed on Social Security payments. However once you are at full retirement age (between 65 and 67 years old, depending on your year of birth) your Social Security payments can no longer be withheld if, when combined with your other forms of income, they exceed the maximum threshold.

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The size of your annual Social Security entitlement continues to grow until you reach the age of 70, so you may want to consider delaying your claim for a few years if you intend to continue working past the normal retirement age.

How are Social Security payments taxed?

The tax rate for Social Security benefits varies based on a number of factors aside from just age; and the household income of recipients is the main deciding factor in taxation.Those thresholds are also dependent on the filing status of Social Security recipients.

Thank you, Rep. @BillPascrell, for working to protect and expand our Social Security system!#Secure2100 pic.twitter.com/3ZDg25NI4D

— Social Security Works (@SSWorks) November 9, 2021

Individuals with a Total Gross Income, including Social Security, of more than $25,000 will be taxed on up to 50% of their Social Security income. Couples who file jointly will begin being taxed when their total income exceeds $32,000.

Individuals earning more than $34,000, or couples with a combined gross income of at least $44,000, will be taxed on up to 85% of their Social Security benefits.

Typically it is only retirees, who have very little household income aside from their Social Security entitlement, who could be exempt from any form of taxation on the payments.

How is the Social Security tax rate calculated?

The rate of taxation levied on Social Security payments is similar to that of other forms of income. Filers must submit their adjusted gross income, which combines their salary, Social Security benefits and all other sources of taxable income.

If that total exceed the minimum threshold then at least 50% of your Social Security benefits will be considered taxable income and will be treated as such. The proportion of your total Social Security entitlement that is based on several factors, as mentioned above.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed in the US? (2024)

FAQs

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed in the US? ›

Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

At what age do they stop taxing your Social Security? ›

Bottom Line. Yes, Social Security is taxed federally after the age of 70. If you get a Social Security check, it will always be part of your taxable income, regardless of your age. There is some variation at the state level, though, so make sure to check the laws for the state where you live.

At what point do you stop paying Social Security tax? ›

What Is the Social Security Tax Limit? You aren't required to pay the Social Security tax on any income beyond the Social Security wage base limit. In 2024, this limit rises to $168,600, up from the 2023 limit of $160,200. As a result, in 2024 you'll pay no more than $10,453 ($168,600 x 6.2%) in Social Security taxes.

Do people over 70 pay Social Security tax? ›

Everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits must pay Social Security taxes. However, there are narrow exceptions to paying Social Security taxes that apply at any age, such as an individual who qualifies for a religious exemption.

Do you have to pay taxes after age 70? ›

Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes.

How do you get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

At what age can I earn unlimited income while on Social Security? ›

How much can you earn and still get benefits? later, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 67. If you work, and are at full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

Can I get a tax refund if my only income is Social Security? ›

You would not be required to file a tax return. But you might want to file a return, because even though you are not required to pay taxes on your Social Security, you may be able to get a refund of any money withheld from your paycheck for taxes.

What is the highest Social Security payment? ›

The maximum Social Security benefit you can receive in 2024 ranges from $2,710 to $4,873 per month, depending on the age you retire. "Maximum benefits can be received by delaying the start of benefits until age 70 since benefits increase by about 8% for each year you delay beyond full retirement age.

Do I have to file a tax return if my only income is Social Security? ›

Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

When a husband dies does his wife get his Social Security? ›

Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children.

How much money can a senior make without paying taxes? ›

Many older adults ask themselves if Social Security is tax deductible. Social Security earnings are often exempt from federal income taxes. If you file as an individual and your Social Security and other earnings total less than $25,000 per year, you may not have to pay federal income taxes.

Why is it better to take Social Security at age 66 instead of 70? ›

If you start receiving benefits at age 66 you get 100 percent of your monthly benefit. If you delay receiving retirement benefits until after your full retirement age, your monthly benefit continues to increase.

How much can I make on Social Security and not file taxes? ›

Generally, your Social Security benefits are taxed when your income is more than $25,000 per year, including income from investments held in retirement accounts like traditional 401(k)s and IRAs.

Does Social Security count as income? ›

You report the taxable portion of your social security benefits on line 6b of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

How do I stop having taxes taken out of my Social Security check? ›

If you want to stop withholding, complete a new Form W-4V. After completing lines 1 through 4, check the box on line 7, and sign and date the form; then give the new form to the payer. (For unemployment compensation and certain Federal Government and other payments.)

Do I have to file taxes if my only income is Social Security? ›

Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

Is Social Security taxed after age 62? ›

You may have to pay federal income taxes on a portion of your Social Security benefits 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).

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