Taxable Social Security benefits include monthly disability and survivor benefits. Supplemental Security Income, or SSI (S-S-I) payments are not taxable. There's a worksheet in your tax form package to help you determine which of your Social Security benefits are taxable. In the worksheet, you add up your income plus half your Social Security benefits and compare that figure to a base amount. If your income plus half your Social Security is more than your base amount, you must pay taxes on at least a portion of the benefits. If the only income you received was your Social Security, or the equivalent tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits, you probably don't owe any taxes and don't need to file a return. If you have income in addition to your benefits, you may have to file a return even if none of your benefits is taxable. These tips are provided to give you general information about your taxes. If you have specific questions, please consult a tax advisor or call the toll-free number for Federal Tax Information and Assistance at 1-800-829-1040.
