How to start tax withholding from Social Security benefits - online options vs. W-4V form?

I just went through this exact process last month! Unfortunately, you CAN'T set up tax withholding through the MySocialSecurity online portal (which is ridiculous in 2025, but that's the SSA for you). You have to submit Form W-4V either by mail or in person at your local office. The form lets you choose to withhold 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% of your monthly benefit. I mailed mine in and it took about 3 weeks to process.

u can do it online now actually! they updated the website in march. just go to ur settings in the my social security account and theres a tax withholding option now. super easy took me 5 mins

Tax advisor here. Just to clarify some confusion: As of April 2025, the SSA DOES allow online tax withholding setup through the MySocialSecurity portal, but only for beneficiaries who have never had withholding before. If you're changing an existing withholding election, you still need Form W-4V. More important details: 1. Spouses must each file separate W-4V forms (one SSN per form) 2. Processing time is currently 3-4 weeks for mailed forms 3. You can withhold at 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% rates only (no custom amounts) 4. If you visit an office in person, bring ID and your Social Security card 5. Remember this withholding is separate from any withholding on pension income

I tried calling the SSA for THREE DAYS to ask this exact question last month!!! Nobody EVER answers the phone!!! I ended up just mailing in the stupid form because their website is so confusing and outdated. And now I'm still waiting for it to be processed. The whole system is a JOKE.

I went through this last year and thought I'd share some additional details that might help. If you do need to submit Form W-4V (which seems likely based on the expert advice above), here's what worked for me: 1. I downloaded the form from irs.gov instead of ssa.gov because the IRS had the most current version 2. Used certified mail so I could track it 3. Made copies of everything before sending 4. The withholding started exactly 4 weeks after I mailed it Also important: if you're trying to avoid an underpayment penalty for this year, remember that withholding from Social Security is considered to be taken equally throughout the year, even if you start late. This can help avoid penalties that might otherwise apply to quarterly estimated payments made late in the year.

UPDATE: I just checked our MySocialSecurity accounts and both of us DO have the tax withholding option available online! It was under "Message Center" then "Benefits & Payments" and there was a section called "Tax Withholding." I was able to select 12% for both of us. The confirmation said it will take effect with next month's payment. Thank you all for your help!

My mom had to do this when she started receiving her widows benefits and they made it so complicated! I think the whole social security system is stuck in 1995. Make sure you check your first payment after this is supposed to take effect to make sure they actually started the withholding. My mom thought hers was all set up but then 3 months later realized they never actually started taking the taxes out!