Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. But, no one pays taxes on more than 85 percent of their Social Security benefits.
You must pay taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. If you file a joint return, you must pay taxes if you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000. If you are married and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits.
See Retirement Benefits: Income Taxes and Your Social Security Benefits for more information.
NOTE: “Combined income” includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest income and half of your Social Security benefits.