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Since it is tax time in Colorado, you may be wondering if your Social Security disability benefits are taxed. According to the Social Security Administration, Some beneficiaries do pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. If you have other significant sources of income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your benefits then you may own taxes on your Social Security benefits.
No one pays federal income tax on more than 85% of his or her Social Security benefits based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. If you:
- File a federal tax return as an “individual” and your combined income is
- Between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits.
- More than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.
- File a joint return, and you and your spouse have a combined income that is
- Between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits
- More than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.
- Are married and file a separate tax return, you probably will pay taxes on your benefits.
Note:
Your adjusted gross income
+ Nontaxable interest
+ ½ of your Social Security benefits
= Your “combined income”
Each January you will receive a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099) showing the amount of benefits you received in the previous year. You can use this Benefit Statement when you complete your federal income tax return to find out if your benefits are subject to tax.
If you do have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits, you can make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or choose to have federal taxes withheld from your benefits.
For more information about taxation of benefits, see IRS Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits.
If you are not receiving the social security disability benefits you are entitled to, please call us to see how we may be able to help.
The Wilhite Law Firm is Denver’s personal injury law firm. With over 40 years of experience and a compassionate team prepared to listen to your story, The Wilhite Law Firm is here to help. Contact us anytime.
