You must pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you file a:
- Federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000.
- Joint return, and 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.
For more information go to the Income Taxes and Your Social Security Benefits page.
NOTE: “Combined income” includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest income and half of your Social Security benefits.