

See “ Benefits Planner: Income Taxes and Your Social Security Benefits,” and “ Social Security: Calculation and History of Taxing Benefits,” Christine Scott, 2/20/13. See: “ Benefits Planner: Income Taxes and Your Social Security Benefits.” In that situation, the non-SSDI portion of income will continue to be taxed normally, and some portion of SSDI often will be taxed as though it was additional earned income.Īs you can see below, the pertinent calculations in determining taxable amount are often treacherous for non-accountants. If there is a combination of “substantial” wages and/or other income, the non-SSDI may be taxable. See IRS Publication 915 (2013), “ Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits.” However, if the only income in the household is SSDI, it is unlikely that it will be taxed at all, even if it is as high as $81,000 (with the inclusion of retroactive payments) for a single person household. The 85% figure only applies under certain circumstances, e.g., if a married individual living with his/her spouse is filing a separate tax return, if a non-citizen is living abroad in certain countries, or if there is a significant amount of other income in the household. While many of us have heard up to 85% of SSDI benefits are taxable, it is not a frequent occurrence. The 1099 form also lists the amount of the attorney fee paid. These 1099 forms are often inaccurate, and the taxpayer should double check all numbers with his or her award notice. When an individual receives a retroactive payment, SSA is required to send a 1099 form by February 1 of the following year, specifying how much of the Social Security benefit received in the retroactive payment was really a payment for a prior year (or years). NOSSCR cannot give tax advice and we recommend that your client always consult a tax professional.

SSI PLUS UP PAYMENT PROFESSIONAL
Though an investment in hiring a tax professional may seem steep for an individual receiving SSDI, it may pay for itself many times over in tax savings or in prevention of emotional and financial disturbance arising from an IRS audit. This article only concerns federal taxation.

The composition of taxable income for each individual is unique and the permutations of taxation are myriad depending on a range of variables including income source, household composition, and timing. This article only analyzes SSDI and not Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This article gives general income tax guidance and should not be used as the basis for tax advice in individual cases. Social Security beneficiaries may have questions about whether their retroactive benefits and/or their ongoing monthly benefits are taxable.
SSI PLUS UP PAYMENT FULL
Once it processes the return, you will receive the full amount of the plus-up payment.The Government Giveth and, Occasionally, Taketh Away: SSDI and Federal Income Tax The IRS advises you file a 2020 tax return with your spouse and dependent listed. This is because the threshold has now changed for you as well. Important to note: If you filed your 2019 return as you normally would but did not add your spouse or any dependents, then you are also eligible to receive a plus-up payment. Plus-up payments are sent separately from your 2020 tax refund and other stimulus payments, meaning you can receive it at a different time, and it might come in the form of a check even if you received your stimulus via direct deposit or debit card. See: Missed the Tax Deadline? Here’s What to Doįind: Two New Stimulus Checks May Be on the Way – Here’s Everything You Need to Know You do not need to take any further action to receive a plus-up payment if you are eligible, other than making sure both your 20 returns are filed. The IRS will automatically evaluate your eligibility once your 2020 tax return is processed. Your plus-up payment will make up the difference between the amount you received based on your 2019 return and the amount you’re eligible to receive based on your 2020 return. See: More Stimulus Money May Be Coming Your Way – Here’s What to Do With Itįind: 70% of Stimulus Cash Is Stuck in Checking Accounts – What’s the Smartest Thing to Do With Yours?įor example, if your 2019 income was above the threshold for the full stimulus payment but your 2020 income was less than the threshold amount, you received a smaller payment than you were entitled to if it was based on your 2019 return. Railroad Retirement Board or Veterans Affairs and might be eligible for a larger payment based on their 2020 tax return. Plus-up payments are an extra stimulus payment sent out to those who received a stimulus check based on a 2019 tax return or information received from the Social Security Administration, U.S.
