The Retirement Decision Lab
The Retirement Decision LabHow it worksAnswersFAQJoin the waitlist

Decision 1 · Week 1 · Wed Nov 4

Is my Social Security taxable?

SHORT ANSWERPart of it can be. If half your benefits plus all your other income is above $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married filing jointly), up to 50% of your benefits can be taxed, and up to 85% at higher incomes.

The IRS calls this combined income: half your Social Security, plus pensions, IRA withdrawals, wages, and even tax-exempt interest.

The 85% tier starts above $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married filing jointly).

The rule is the same if you live abroad. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live.

Where it gets personal

Week 1 counts taxes as part of what your income really buys.

See the Retirement Decision Lab

Sources

  1. Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits · IRS
  2. U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad · IRS

Written and reviewed by Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence
Facts checked Oct 6, 2026 · Next review by Feb 15, 2027
How we source answers · Report an error

Did this answer your question?

Ask the Lab

Still have a question?

Ask it in your own words. If we haven't answered it yet, we will.

Sovereo Intelligence · Live lab

General answers end where your numbers begin.

Four live 90-minute working sessions. Four decisions, worked on your own income and costs, ending with your personal Retirement Decision Brief. Led by Todd Allyn: 24 years teaching economics, finance and business, former business school dean, not a financial advisor.

See the Lab and join the waitlist
Price
$297 once
Sessions
Wednesdays, 7pm Eastern
Dates
Nov 4, 11, 18 · Dec 2
Enrollment
Oct 11 to Oct 23, noon ET