How to get my Social Security tax statement (SSA-1099) for filing taxes?
I need to file my taxes soon and can't find my Social Security benefit tax statement anywhere! Is it the SSA-1099 form? My tax preparer is asking for it, but I don't remember receiving anything in the mail. Do they still mail these out? Can I download it somewhere on the Social Security website? I've looked around my mySocialSecurity account but feel like I'm missing something obvious. This is my first year filing with retirement benefits, so I'm completely lost.
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Sofia Torres
Yes, it's the SSA-1099 form you need. The SSA should have mailed it to you by January 31st. If you didn't receive it, you can download a replacement copy from your mySocialSecurity account. Just log in, go to the "Replacement Documents" section, and you'll see an option for the SSA-1099. You can download and print it right away - no need to wait for mail delivery.
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Dylan Wright
•Thank you! I'll check the Replacement Documents section. I was looking under the benefits information tab and didn't see it there. First time doing taxes with SS benefits and it's all new to me.
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GalacticGuardian
I had the same problem last year! Turns out my mail carrier delivered it to my neighbor by mistake. But yeah just download it from the website. SO much easier.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Just to add - if you don't have a mySocialSecurity account set up yet, you should definitely create one at ssa.gov. Besides tax forms, you can view benefit verification letters, change your address/direct deposit info, and check your benefit amounts. Makes dealing with SSA much easier than waiting on the phone.
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Ava Rodriguez
they always mail mine in late January but the online way is better anyway. sometimes the mail is slow or gets lost and why wait? just print it yourself
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Miguel Diaz
•I've been trying to access my SSA-1099 online for THREE DAYS but keep getting errors on the social security website!!! It says "system unavailable" every time I click on replacement documents. Called the 800 number but was on hold for 2 HOURS before being disconnected. Tax deadline getting closer and I'm PANICKING! Anyone else having website problems??
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Zainab Ahmed
•If you're having trouble with the website and can't get through on the phone, I'd recommend using Claimyr. It's a service that helps you reach a real SSA agent faster. I was skeptical at first, but it saved me hours of frustration when I needed to fix an issue with my benefit calculation. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - it connects you with actual Social Security agents while bypassing the long holds.
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Connor Gallagher
Anyone know what box on the 1099 shows if they took out taxes already? My sister said something about voluntary withholding but I don't remember signing up for that when I applied for retirement.
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Sofia Torres
•Box 6 on the SSA-1099 shows the voluntary federal tax withholding amount. If it shows $0, then you didn't have taxes withheld. Looking at this might be important for your tax planning - many retirees don't realize that Social Security benefits might be taxable (up to 85% depending on your combined income).
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Connor Gallagher
•Thanks, mine says $0 so I guess I'll owe at tax time. Wish someone had explained this when I applied for benefits!
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Dylan Wright
Update: I found it! For anyone else looking, after logging in to mySocialSecurity, click on "Replacement Documents" on the left side menu, then select "Replacement SSA-1099/1042S". It lets you download a PDF immediately. So much easier than I thought!
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Ava Rodriguez
•good job! told you it was easy lol
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Glad you found it! One additional tip - save a digital copy somewhere secure rather than just printing it. Makes it easier to find next year when you need to compare statements or if your tax preparer needs it again.
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Miguel Diaz
WAIT - does everyone on Social Security get this form?? I get SSDI (disability) not retirement and I don't remember seeing any tax form! Am I supposed to be reporting this on my taxes?? I haven't filed in years because I thought disability wasn't taxable!
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Sofia Torres
•Yes, SSDI recipients also receive an SSA-1099. While many people on SSDI don't end up owing taxes because their total income falls below the taxable threshold, SSDI benefits can indeed be taxable if your total income exceeds certain limits. You should definitely file taxes each year and report your SSDI. You might even be eligible for refundable credits like the Earned Income Credit depending on your situation.
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Miguel Diaz
•OMG thank you! I'm freaking out a little - hope I don't get in trouble for past years. Guess I need to talk to a tax person ASAP.
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