Can Social Security deduct property taxes automatically from monthly benefits?
I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to have my property taxes automatically deducted from my Social Security checks? I'm turning 68 next month and managing all these different bills is getting harder. My property taxes are due twice a year and I always forget until the last minute. Would be so much easier if SSA could just take it out like they do with Medicare premiums. Has anyone set this up or know if it's even possible? Thanks!
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Noah Torres
Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration doesn't offer a direct property tax withholding option like they do for Medicare premiums or federal income taxes. They only allow these specific deductions: - Medicare premiums - Federal income tax withholding (if you request it) - Garnishments for things like child support - Some union dues in special situations For property taxes, you might want to look into: 1. Setting up an escrow account with your mortgage lender if you still have a mortgage 2. Creating automatic transfers to a separate savings account each month to save for property taxes 3. Checking if your county tax office offers automatic payments from your bank account
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Natalie Wang
AuthorThanks for explaining that! I was hoping it would be an option but I guess not. My mortgage is paid off so no escrow account. The automatic transfer to a savings account is a good idea though. I'll call my bank about setting that up.
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Samantha Hall
jst wanna add my county lets u pay property taxes monthly instead of the big lump sums twice a year... might wanna call ur tax collector and ask if thats an option where u live. made it way easier for me on my SS budget
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Natalie Wang
AuthorI didn't know that was even possible! I'll definitely call my county office tomorrow to check. Monthly payments would be so much more manageable on a fixed income. Thanks for the tip!
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Ryan Young
I was wondering EXACTLY the same thing last year!!! Called SSA and waited on hold for TWO HOURS only to be told they can't do it. The whole system is designed to make life difficult for seniors! Why can they take out Medicare premiums but not help us with other important bills???
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Sophia Clark
The waiting times with SSA can be awful. I had the same experience trying to get information about survivor benefits. I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of hours. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Really helped when I needed to discuss multiple issues with SSA and couldn't waste an entire day on hold.
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Katherine Harris
Have you looked into your state's property tax relief programs for seniors? Many states have them and they can reduce your tax burden substantially if you qualify based on age and income. Worth checking!
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Natalie Wang
AuthorI hadn't thought about that! I'll look into what my state offers. Every bit helps when you're on a fixed income. Thanks for mentioning it.
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Madison Allen
Make sure you check BOTH your state AND county programs. My mom qualified for a 15% reduction through the state program, but also got an additional exemption through our county's senior tax relief program. The county one actually froze her property tax amount so it won't go up anymore as long as she owns the home. She had to provide proof of age (65+) and show that her income was primarily from Social Security.
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Joshua Wood
My bank has a bill pay service that automatically sends checks for my property taxes when they're due. I just had to set up the payment schedule once, and now I don't have to remember. It's free with my checking account.
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Natalie Wang
AuthorThat sounds perfect! I do have online banking but never explored all the features. I'll call them tomorrow to set this up. Would solve my forgetfulness problem completely.
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Noah Torres
Just to add one more option - many counties now offer automatic payment plans where they can withdraw the property tax amount directly from your bank account when due. This is different from the monthly payment option mentioned above. You'd still pay the same twice-yearly schedule, but it would happen automatically without you having to remember.
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Ryan Young
I tried setting that up but my county website is HORRIBLE and nothing works right! Ended up having to mail in a form and they lost it TWICE. Finally gave up and just put reminders in my phone calendar with LOUD alarms 2 weeks before the due dates.
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Kylo Ren
Another option to consider is setting up calendar reminders on your phone or computer well in advance of your property tax due dates. I set mine for 6 weeks before each due date, then again at 3 weeks, and finally 1 week before. This gives me plenty of time to make sure I have the funds available and get the payment sent. You could also ask a trusted family member or friend to help remind you - sometimes having that backup person can be really helpful when managing multiple bills on a fixed income.
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