Does a 70 year old pay taxes on Social Security?
Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.
Though there are some rumors on the internet that the government stops taxing Social Security payments once you reach a certain age, such as 70, this is simply not true. Social Security payments are taxable from the moment you start receiving them until you die.
Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. Basically, if you're 65 or older, you have to file a return for tax year 2023 (which is due in 2024) if your gross income is $15,700 or higher.
Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.
You would not be required to file a tax return. But you might want to file a return, because even though you are not required to pay taxes on your Social Security, you may be able to get a refund of any money withheld from your paycheck for taxes.
Depending on your income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be subject to tax. That includes retirement and benefits from Social Security trust funds, like survivor and disability benefits, but not Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Generally, your Social Security benefits are taxed when your income is more than $25,000 per year, including income from investments held in retirement accounts like traditional 401(k)s and IRAs. If Social Security is your only source of income, you likely won't pay any tax on those payments.
You report the taxable portion of your social security benefits on line 6b of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.
Extra standard deduction for people over 65
But a single 65-year-old taxpayer will get a $15,700 standard deduction for the 2023 tax year. The extra $1,850 will make it more likely that you'll take the standard deduction on your 2023 return rather than itemize. (The extra standard deduction amount is $1,850 for 2024).
Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.
How much can you earn while on Social Security at age 70?
If you will reach full retirement age in 2024, the limit on your earnings for the months before full retirement age is $59,520. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn and still receive your benefits.
How much can you earn and still get benefits? later, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 67. If you work, and are at full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn.
The minimum income amount depends on your filing status and age. In 2023, for example, the minimum for Single filing status if under age 65 is $13,850. If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return.
There is no magic age at which you're allowed to stop filing taxes with the IRS. However, once you're over the age of 65, your income thresholds that determine if you're required to file will change.
If you are 65 or older AND blind, the extra standard deduction is: $3,700 if you are single or filing as head of household. $3,000 per qualifying individual if you are married, filing jointly or separately.
Starting in 2024, tax Social Security benefits in a manner similar to private pension income. Phase out the lower-income thresholds during 2024-2043.
Up to 50% of your Social Security benefits are taxable if: You file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000. You file a joint return, and you and your spouse have a combined income between $32,000 and $44,000.
The Social Security five-year rule is the time period in which you can file for an expedited reinstatement after your Social Security disability benefits have been terminated completely due to work.
Social Security will take into consideration the amount of your assets, because it is a needs-based program. To be eligible for SSI, your assets must be less than $2,000 for an individual and less than $3,000 for a married couple.
Will withdrawals from my individual retirement account affect my Social Security benefits? Social Security does not count pension payments, annuities, or the interest or dividends from your savings and investments as earnings. They do not lower your Social Security retirement benefits.
How much can a retired person make without paying taxes?
If you are at least 65, unmarried, and receive $15,700 or more in nonexempt income in addition to your Social Security benefits, you typically need to file a federal income tax return (tax year 2023).
Taxpayers who are 65 and Older or are Blind
For 2023, the additional standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or blind are: $1,850 for Single or Head of Household (increase of $100) $1,500 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse (increase of $100)
If you're married, filing jointly or separately, the extra standard deduction amount is $1,500 per qualifying individual. If you are 65 or older and blind, the extra standard deduction is $3,700 if you are single or filing as head of household.
If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62.
Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children.
