Tax on Social Security

Up to 50% or 85% of social security benefits are taxable if your modified income is greater than certain amounts based on your filing status. If you have less than those amounts, then social security benefits are tax free. As you can see though the limits are very low. For single returns, income between $25,000  and $34,000 makes up to 50% of social security benefits taxable. Over $34,000 and up to 85% is taxable. For joint returns, income between $32,000 and $44,000 makes up to 50% of social security benefits taxable. Over $44,000 and up to 85% is taxable. To calculate the modified income you have to add tax exempt interest and one half of social security benefits to adjusted gross income before any social security benefits. You have to add certain other items of income but those two are the most common. Roth distributions do not have to be added so a Roth is a good source of funds in retirement which will not make more of your social security income taxable.