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To directly answer your question: you should absolutely set up voluntary withholding if you're concerned about a tax bill. The W-4V form is available on the IRS website (irs.gov), or Social Security can mail you one. A few key points about Social Security taxation that many new beneficiaries don't realize: 1. Whether your benefits are taxable depends on your "combined income" (AGI + non-taxable interest + half your SS benefits) 2. For individual filers: - Below $25,000: No tax on SS benefits - $25,000-$34,000: Up to 50% of benefits may be taxable - Above $34,000: Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable 3. For married filing jointly: - Below $32,000: No tax on SS benefits - $32,000-$44,000: Up to 50% of benefits may be taxable - Above $44,000: Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable Many retirees find 10% withholding works well, but consult with a tax professional based on your specific situation.
quick question - if your only income is social security of $1,800 per month, you don't need to pay taxes on it right? my brother doesn't file taxes anymore because SS is his only income
That's correct. If Social Security is his only income at $1,800/month ($21,600/year), he's well below the $25,000 threshold where benefits become partially taxable for single filers. He likely doesn't need to file a federal return, though he should check if his state has different rules as some states do tax Social Security benefits differently than the federal government.
Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I just downloaded the W-4V form and will send it in tomorrow. I'm thinking I'll start with 10% withholding and adjust next year if needed. I'll also check with my tax preparer to see if I should make any quarterly estimated tax payments for this year since I've already received a few months of benefits without withholding. It's frustrating that the SSA representative didn't explain any of this when I applied for benefits. When they say "before deductions" they should really clarify what that means! I suspect I'm not the only newly retired person confused by this.
You're making a smart move getting this sorted out now. One quick tip: make a copy of your completed W-4V before sending it in, as sometimes these requests can take 1-3 months to process, and occasionally they get lost in the system. If you don't see the withholding start within 90 days, you may need to follow up with a copy of your original request.
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I know this is off-topic but does anyone know if the 3-month rule is the same when applying for spousal benefits? My wife is turning 67 next year and I want to apply for my spousal benefit since I never worked enough quarters on my own.
Yes, the timing recommendation is the same for spousal benefits. However, be aware that your spouse needs to have already filed for their own benefits (or file at the same time) for you to be eligible for spousal benefits. The 3-month advance application window applies to all retirement-based benefits.
Applying for Medicare at the same time doesn't typically slow down your retirement benefit processing. The two systems are connected but processed separately. In fact, the online application is designed to handle both simultaneously. Many people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A at 65 even if they delay retirement benefits until later, so the systems are designed to coordinate.
Perfect! I already have Medicare since I turned 65, so sounds like that won't be an issue. I'll mark my calendar for 3 months before my birthday to submit the application online. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!
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Since you're retiring in April, you should also know that if you're still working January-April, those earnings won't affect your benefits at all since you're past FRA. The earnings test doesn't apply once you've reached full retirement age. Just make sure you report your expected earnings for 2025 accurately on your application.
One last piece of advice - after you submit your application, create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov if you haven't already. You can track your application status there, and once you're receiving benefits, you can get benefit verification letters, change your address, set up or change direct deposit, and get your 1099 at tax time. It's super convenient and saves you from having to call or visit the office for routine things.
I do have a my Social Security account, but I haven't used it much yet. Good to know I'll be able to track my application there. Thanks for all your help everyone! I feel much more confident about applying now.
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Yuki Yamamoto
my brother in law said the limit is goin up to like $175k next year does anyone know if thats true?
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Zoe Papadakis
•The 2025 wage base limit hasn't been officially announced yet. The SSA typically announces the new limit in October of the preceding year, so we should know the 2025 limit around October 2024. Your brother-in-law's estimate of $175k is reasonably close to what we might expect based on recent increases, but it's just a projection at this point.
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Andre Rousseau
Just curious - isn't it kind of unfair that we pay into the system but once you reach a certain income they stop counting it? I mean if I pay more shouldn't I get more out?
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Carmen Ortiz
•It's a common question! The system was designed as social insurance with some wealth redistribution built in. Higher earners do get higher benefits than lower earners, but not proportionally higher. Here's an example: someone earning the maximum taxable amount their entire career might get a monthly benefit around $3,800 at full retirement age, while someone earning half as much might get around $2,400. So the high earner paid twice as much in taxes but doesn't get twice the benefit. The philosophical argument is that Social Security ensures a basic standard of living in retirement for all workers, not a direct savings account. But people definitely have different opinions about whether that's fair or not!
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