Do I Have to File Taxes If My Only Income Is Social Security?

It is a common question for many individuals whether they need to file a federal income tax return if their only source of income is Social Security benefits. The answer depends on several factors, including total benefits received and any other income you might have. Understanding the rules surrounding Social Security taxability and federal filing requirements can help determine if you need to file.

Taxability of Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits can be subject to federal income tax, though often they are not taxable. Whether your benefits are taxable depends on your “provisional income,” a calculation that includes your adjusted gross income (AGI), any nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. This provisional income figure determines if your benefits meet certain thresholds for taxation.

For the 2024 tax year, if provisional income is below $25,000 for single filers (or those filing as head of household or qualifying surviving spouse), none of your Social Security benefits are subject to tax. For married couples filing jointly, the untaxed threshold is $32,000. If income falls within these amounts, Social Security benefits remain untaxed.

A portion of Social Security benefits becomes taxable if provisional income exceeds these thresholds. For single individuals, provisional income between $25,000 and $34,000 may result in up to 50% of benefits being taxable. If provisional income exceeds $34,000, up to 85% of benefits could be taxed. For married couples filing jointly, provisional income between $32,000 and $44,000 may lead to up to 50% of benefits being taxable; over $44,000, up to 85% may be taxed.

Determining Your Filing Requirement

The requirement to file a federal income tax return hinges on your total gross income for the tax year, which includes any taxable portion of your Social Security benefits, and your filing status. For the 2024 tax year, the standard deduction amounts represent the general income thresholds below which many individuals are not required to file. These amounts are $14,600 for single filers, $29,200 for those married filing jointly, and $21,900 for heads of household.

If you are 65 or older, or blind, you receive an additional standard deduction amount, which raises your filing threshold. For example, a single individual aged 65 or older has a 2024 filing threshold of $16,550. A married couple filing jointly, both 65 or older, has a combined threshold of $32,300.

You generally must file a tax return if your gross income, including any taxable Social Security benefits, exceeds these applicable standard deduction amounts for your filing status and age. Gross income encompasses all income received that is not exempt from tax. Even if your income is below the standard deduction, you may still need to file if you had net earnings from self-employment of at least $400 or owe certain other taxes.

It is also important to note that even if you are not required to file, doing so might be beneficial. Filing a return allows you to claim refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, or receive a refund of any federal income tax that was withheld from other sources of income throughout the year.

Reporting Taxable Social Security Benefits

If it is determined that your Social Security benefits are taxable and you have a filing requirement, the process of reporting these benefits on your federal income tax return involves specific forms. Each January, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues Form SSA-1099, the Social Security Benefit Statement, to all individuals who received benefits during the previous calendar year. This form details the total amount of Social Security benefits you received.

The net amount of benefits received, as shown in Box 5 of your Form SSA-1099, is reported on Line 6a of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. The amount of your Social Security benefits that is actually subject to tax, which you would have calculated based on your provisional income, is then reported on Line 6b. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides worksheets within the instructions for Form 1040 and in Publication 915, “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” to assist in accurately determining this taxable portion.

It is uncommon for federal taxes to be withheld directly from Social Security benefits. If a significant portion of your benefits is taxable and you do not have other income from which taxes are withheld, you might consider making estimated tax payments throughout the year. This approach can help avoid a large tax bill or potential underpayment penalties when you file your return.