Taxation of Social Security Disability Benefits

Generally, you will be affected by tax only if you have substantial income in addition to your Social Security benefits.

• If you file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your income is more than $25,000, you have to pay taxes on your Social Security Disability benefits.
• If you file a joint return, you may have to pay taxes if you and your spouse have a combined income that is more than $32,000. "Combined" income means you and your spouse's adjusted gross income (as reported on your Form 1040) plus nontaxable interest plus one-half of your Social Security benefits.
• If you are married and file a separate return, you will probably pay taxes on your benefits.

At the end of each year, you will receive in the mail a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099) showing the amount of benefits you received. You can use this statement when completing your federal income tax return.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you also receive SSI payments, SSI is not subject to income tax.

NOTE: For more information, call the Internal Revenue Service's toll-free telephone number, 1.800.829.3676, and ask for Publication 554, Older Americans' Tax Guide. You can also access this publication on the IRS Web site at: http://www.irs.gov.