You might have heard about a specific age when Social Security benefits become tax-free. It may have been 70, 72, or even 65. Well, whatever age you’ve had in mind, it's time to put this Social Security tax myth to rest.
The fact is, there is no specific age at which your Social Security benefits automatically become nontaxable. However, it’s totally understandable why many people believe that age matters with taxes on Social Security.
So, let’s dive into a couple of the reasons why this myth has taken hold and look at what really impacts whether the IRS will tax some of your Social Security benefits.
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When do Social Security benefits become tax-free?
There are a few reasons why some people think there's a cut-off age for taxing Social Security benefits.
One is likely intuitive: you’ve worked hard and naturally assume those taxpaying years would eventually translate into a tax exemption (similar to "senior" tax benefits and exemptions often offered at the state level).
Other reasons might involve simple word-of-mouth and the sheer complexity of U.S. tax laws.
However, other retirement-related ages can also create confusion.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age
RMDs. Some may conflate the required minimum distribution (RMD) age with Social Security.
- At age 73, you must generally start taking RMDs from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s.
- That’s even more confusing since recent changes to RMD rules shifted that first RMD age from 72 to 73 a couple of years ago.
And while RMD requirements are significant for many retirees and shouldn’t be overlooked in tax planning, some may mistakenly associate this age with changes in Social Security tax status.
Social Security full retirement age (FRA) confusion
FRA. Another issue concerns Social Security's Full Retirement Age (FRA). For Social Security purposes, the FRA is 67 for many. At age 70, your Social Security benefits reach their maximum amount.
But the FRA is sometimes incorrectly thought to directly affect taxes on Social Security benefits. Why? Well, while FRA doesn't directly determine whether your Social Security benefits are taxable, it can indirectly influence your tax situation in a few notable ways.
Benefit amount: Waiting until your FRA to claim benefits typically means a bigger monthly check. While that can be great for your wallet, it could push your total income higher, potentially increasing the taxable portion of your benefits.
Working while claiming: If you're still working while collecting benefits before your FRA, you might face the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test. This could reduce your benefits, potentially lowering your taxable income.
Income strategy: Your FRA is a key milestone in retirement planning. So, it might influence when you tap into other income sources like pensions, retirement savings accounts, etc., which can affect your overall tax situation.
But despite these areas of confusion, keep in mind this one key rule: the taxability of your Social Security benefits depends on your income, not your age.
Whether you're 62 or 82, the same rules apply.
- If Social Security is your only income, you're unlikely to be taxed on those benefits.
- However, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable if you have additional income sources.
For calculating taxes on Social Security, the key combined income thresholds (for 2024) are $25,000 for single filers and over $32,000 for those married and filing jointly. If you exceed these thresholds, you may owe taxes on your Social Security benefits, regardless of age.
Note: “Combined Income” = Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) + nontaxable Interest + 1/2 of Social Security benefits.
Remember: States that tax Social Security have different rules and income thresholds.
Ways to reduce taxes on Social Security benefits
You might not be able to avoid being taxed on some of your Social Security benefits, but there are some ways that you can lower your taxable income and potentially reduce the taxable portion of your benefits.
A few considerations?
- Strategically withdrawing from retirement accounts. Carefully timing withdrawals from diversified "tax buckets" can help lower overall taxable income.
- Making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs: This can satisfy required minimum distributions without increasing taxable income.
- Investing in municipal bonds: This can generate tax-free interest income, potentially keeping total income below Social Security tax thresholds.
Tax-free age for Social Security benefits: Bottom Line
When it comes to taxes on your Social Security benefits, don't wait for a non-existent age-based tax break. (Although, as Kiplinger has reported, some tax breaks do get better as you get older, like the extra standard deduction for people over age 65.) Instead, focus on tax planning and income management throughout your retirement years.
Remember, when it comes to tax on your Social Security benefits, it's not about how old you are — it's about your taxable income.
So keep an eye on income thresholds as well as the Social Security COLA adjustment each year and consult with a trusted tax professional. Stay tuned to various proposals whether in Congress or from the incoming administration calling for an end to federal taxes on Social Security benefits. Also, be mindful if you live in a state that still taxes Social Security.
Doing those things can help you be better prepared to file your return and hopefully avoid tax surprises when tax season arrives.
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