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Glossary/Taxation of Social Security benefits

What is Taxation of Social Security benefits?

In short

Up to 85% of Social Security benefits are included in gross income, depending on provisional income: modified adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest plus half of the benefits.

Key takeaways

  • Nothing is taxable if provisional income is $25,000 or less ($32,000 joint).
  • Up to 50% is taxable between those amounts and $34,000 ($44,000 joint), and up to 85% above them.
  • These thresholds aren't adjusted for inflation.

Where it's tested

REG: Individual Taxation: Gross Income — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

Under the federal tax rules, what is the maximum portion of Social Security benefits that can be included in a recipient's gross income?

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