# Is my Social Security taxable?

Canonical: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/answers/is-my-social-security-taxable/
Section: Can you afford to retire? (Retirement Decision Lab, Decision 1 · Week 1 · Wed Nov 4)
Facts checked: 2026-10-06 · Next review by: 2027-02-15
Reviewed by: Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence Research

## Short answer

Part 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.

## Detail

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. The Retirement Decision Lab: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/

## Sources

1. Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits, IRS: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p915
2. U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad, IRS: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad

Education only. Not financial, tax, investment, immigration or legal advice.
Agent query endpoint: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/api/answers?q=your+question