Will Social Security deduct both Medicare and taxes from my retirement checks automatically?

Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from your SS check (about $207 per month in 2025 for most people). Taxes aren't automatically withheld tho. You have to fill out form W-4V to request voluntary tax withholding from Social Security. You can choose 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% withholding rate.

Medicare premiums are automatically deducted, yes. For Part B in 2025, most people will pay around $207 monthly (possibly more if your income is high - look up IRMAA surcharges). For taxes, the SSA doesn't withhold anything unless you specifically request it by filing Form W-4V. You can choose to have 7%, 10%, 12% or 22% withheld. Keep in mind that about 50-85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your combined income. Many retirees are surprised by this. If you have other income sources, you might want to either request withholding or make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. Also, if you're still working while collecting benefits before your Full Retirement Age, be aware of the earnings limit ($23,290 in 2025).

To clarify a few points about deductions from your Social Security check: 1. Medicare premiums: Yes, your Part B premium will be automatically deducted (standard premium is $207.00/month for 2025). If you enroll in Medicare Advantage or Part D, you can choose to have those premiums deducted too. 2. Tax withholding: Not automatic. You must file Form W-4V (Voluntary Withholding Request) if you want federal taxes withheld. You can choose 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%. 3. Other possible deductions: Medicare Part C (Advantage) or D premiums if you elect to have them withheld, and any garnishments for things like unpaid federal taxes or student loans. Many retirees are surprised to learn that 50-85% of their Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on their combined income. I recommend using the SSA's benefit calculator on their website to estimate your payment, then subtract Medicare and any tax withholding you plan to request.

Yes, there are specific income thresholds that determine how much of your Social Security is taxable: - If you file as an individual and your combined income* is between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. - If your combined income is more than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. - If you file a joint return and you and your spouse have a combined income* between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. - If your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. *Combined income = your adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of your Social Security benefits These thresholds haven't been adjusted for inflation since 1984, so they affect more retirees each year.

I just started collecting last year and was SHOCKED at how small my check was after deductions!!! I get $2,850/month on paper but after Medicare ($207) and I chose 10% tax withholding (about $285) I'm actually getting $2,358 deposited. Plus I have my Part D prescription plan premium ($76) taken out too. So that's almost $500 in deductions every month!!! Make sure u plan for this!!!

My situation sounds similar to yours - retiring next year too. One thing nobody mentioned yet is that you need to plan for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) which can either be paid separately or withheld from your SS check too. I'm trying to budget for all these deductions and it's frustrating. Had to call SSA three times to get clear answers and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours.

Thanks everyone for such detailed responses! This clarifies a lot. Sounds like I need to: 1. Expect Medicare Part B to be automatically deducted ($207) 2. Consider Part D premiums as well 3. File that W-4V form for tax withholding 4. Be aware that 50-85% of my benefits might be taxable I'll definitely calculate all this before I finalize my retirement date. Really appreciate all the help!

Reading below it looks like the withholding percentage, say 12% is on the gross and then medicare premiums, etc come out of what is left taken withholding, is this correct?