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Ask Rusty · Social Security Q&A

Taxes and Social Security

Income tax on Social Security benefits, payroll taxes while working, and how taxation affects what you keep.

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Taxes: questions and answers

19 questions answered

  1. Is There Income Tax on Social Security Benefits?

    Mar 2, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    The OBBB does eliminate income tax on most SS benefits, but it does so in a somewhat unique way – by providing an additional $6,000 (per person) deduction.

  2. My Friend Is 65; Shouldn’t She Be Exempt From Medicare Payroll Taxes?

    Feb 17, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    Medicare taxes are levied on everyone who works and earns, regardless of whether or not they are currently enrolled in the Medicare program.

  3. About Tax Filing Status and Medicare

    Dec 1, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    About Tax Filing Status and Medicare - Ask Rusty

  4. Did the Obama-era Social Security Tax Cuts Hurt the Program?

    Nov 10, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    Did the Obama-era Social Security Tax Cuts Hurt the Program? - Ask Rusty

  5. Must I Pay Income Tax on Social Security Benefits?

    May 23, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – Must I Pay Income Tax on Social Security Benefits?

  6. About Payroll Tax and Income Tax on Social Security

    Apr 18, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – About Payroll Tax and Income Tax on Social Security

  7. About the Earnings Test and Taxation of Social Security Benefits

    Apr 4, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – About the Earnings Test and Taxation of Social Security Benefits

  8. Will My Social Security Benefits Ever Be Non-Taxable?

    Jan 31, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – Will My Social Security Benefits Ever Be Non-Taxable?

  9. About Paying SS Tax While Still Working

    Nov 1, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    About Paying SS Tax While Still Working - Ask Rusty

  10. Is Taxing Social Security Fair?

    Oct 18, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – Is Taxing Social Security Fair?

  11. If I Die, What Happens to the Social Security Taxes I Paid?

    Oct 4, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    If I Die, What Happens to the Social Security Taxes I Paid? - Ask Rusty

  12. Does Paying SS Tax Now Increase My Benefit?

    Aug 23, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    Does Paying SS Tax Now Increase My Benefit? – Ask Rusty

  13. My Social Security Income Hurts When I File My Taxes

    Aug 9, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    My Social Security Income Hurts When I File My Taxes – Ask Rusty

  14. Does Paying FICA Tax Now Increase My Benefit?

    Mar 8, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    Does Paying FICA Tax Now Increase My Benefit? - Ask Rusty

  15. Can I Hide My Social Security in A Tax-Advantaged Account?

    Aug 24, 2020 · Ask Rusty

    Can I Hide My Social Security in A Tax-Advantaged Account? - Ask Rusty

  16. About Survivor Benefits, My Own Benefits and Taxes

    Dec 2, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    About Survivor Benefits, My Own Benefits and Taxes - Ask Rusty

  17. Does Paying Social Security Payroll Tax Increase my Benefit?

    Nov 18, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Does Paying Social Security Payroll Tax Increase my Benefit? - Ask Rusty

  18. Income Tax on Social Security vs. the Earnings Test

    Oct 15, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Income Tax on Social Security vs. the Earnings Test - Ask Rusty

  19. Paying Income Taxes on Social Security Benefits

    Aug 26, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Paying Income Taxes on Social Security Benefits - Ask Rusty