Social Security application income question - can I file with missing 2024 tax return?

You don't need to wait! You can absolutely apply now. The SSA understands that people apply throughout the year before having complete tax information. For the current year, you can provide an estimate of what you expect your income to be. Since you only have casino winnings, just make your best guess based on your typical pattern. The SSA is primarily concerned with earned income that might put you over the earnings limit if you're under FRA (Full Retirement Age). Since gambling winnings are unearned income, they don't count toward the earnings test limit anyway. Just be sure to report your actual income when you file your taxes, and if needed, update the SSA later.

i put zero for current year when i filed and it went thru fine, they just care about the years that are already done

This is one of those situations where the SSA's application process doesn't perfectly fit everyone's financial situation. Since you only have unearned income (gambling winnings), you're actually in a good position. First, as mentioned, unearned income doesn't affect the earnings test. Second, you can definitely file now - don't wait. Here's what I recommend: 1. For 2022-2023, enter the exact figures from your tax returns 2. For 2024, you can either: - Enter your best estimate based on winnings so far - Enter zero if you haven't had significant winnings yet - Call SSA to ask how to handle it (but good luck getting through...) The system is designed to allow for estimates since many people apply before year-end. They can always adjust later if needed.

I had the EXACT same issue when I applied last February!!!!! I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone and the online system kept asking me for income verification I didn't have yet. SO FRUSTRATING!!! I ended up driving to my local office and waiting 3+ hours just to ask this simple question. The rep told me to just put my best estimate for current year and said it wouldn't affect my benefit amount anyway since they use the previous years for the calculation. The whole system is terrible and outdated! WHY don't they make this clear on the application????????

Have you tried calling SSA directly? I know their wait times are ridiculous but they could give you the official answer instead of relying on what worked for random people online. Just my two cents.

Based on my experience helping family members apply, here's some additional context: 1. The income information is primarily used for two purposes: - To determine if you'll be subject to the earnings test (which doesn't apply to you since you're past FRA) - To ensure they have the most recent earnings on record for benefit calculation 2. Your benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, already adjusted for inflation. Current year income is unlikely to change your benefit amount significantly unless it would replace a zero or very low earning year in your history. 3. Since your income is just gambling winnings (unearned income), it truly doesn't affect your Social Security benefits at all. You can proceed with your application now without waiting. Just provide accurate information for the completed tax years and your best estimate for the current partial year.

jsut be careful with those casino winnings cause they might make your SS benefits taxable if you win too much. happened to my brother last year and he was shocked when he had to pay taxes on his SS

I just went through this process last month! For 2024 income, I put "estimated" and entered my best guess. The online system accepted it without any issues. One tip: have all your documents ready before you start the online application. The system times out after a while, and you might lose your progress if you have to go hunting for information mid-application. I learned this the hard way!