Social Security Tax Update: How High Can It Go?
Employees, self-employed individuals and employers all pay Social Security tax, and the amounts can get bigger every year. And yet, many people don’t fully understand the Social Security tax [...]
Beware of a Stealth Tax on Social Security Benefits
Some people mistakenly believe that Social Security benefits are always free from federal income tax. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. In fact, depending on how much overall income [...]
Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable?
Many retirees have seen their Social Security benefits increase in 2023 due to a cost-of-living adjustment that was higher than in past years. Further increases are expected for 2024. While [...]
Social Security Wage Base and Earnings Test Amounts Increase in 2023
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that the "wage base" for computing Social Security tax will increase for 2023 to $160,200. This is up from $147,000 for 2022. Federal [...]
Social Security Recipients Will Receive a Large Increase in 2023
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 70 million Americans will increase 8.7% in 2023, the federal government just announced. On average, the Social Security Administration [...]
Social Security benefits: Do you have to pay tax on them?
Some people who begin claiming Social Security benefits are surprised to find out they’re taxed by the federal government on the amounts they receive. If you’re wondering whether you’ll be [...]
How Does Divorce Affect Social Security?
If you're divorced, it's possible to claim Social Security spousal and survivor benefits from your ex-spouse, and to keep the entire matter private. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not inform [...]
Smooth Sailing: Tips to Speed Processing and Avoid Hassles This Tax Season
The IRS began accepting 2021 individual tax returns on January 24. If you haven’t prepared yet for tax season, here are three quick tips to help speed processing and avoid [...]
Help Safeguard Your Personal Information By Filing Your 2021 Tax Return Early
The IRS announced it is opening the 2021 individual income tax return filing season on January 24. (Business returns are already being accepted.) Even if you typically don’t file until [...]
Maximize Social Security Benefits When You Retire
Get the most from Social Security. Younger retirees face a harsh penalty for working part-time. For every $2 earned over $18,960 in 2021 (up from $18,240 in 2020), you lose $1 [...]