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You can begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, although many wait so they can collect larger monthly benefits when they reach full retirement age. This is age 66 or 67 for most people. Age has nothing to do with the amount of tax you’ll pay on your Social Security benefits, however. The tax is determined by the amount of other taxable income you have.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security benefits may or may not be taxed after 62, depending on other income you’ve earned.
- You likely won’t pay federal income taxes if you only receive Social Security benefits and no other income.
- Nine states tax Social Security benefits to some extent as of 2025.
When Benefits Are Taxable
The amount taxed on your Social Security benefits depends on any additional income you bring in. The tax varies from 0% to 85% of your benefits. You’ll receive 15% of your Social Security benefits tax-free, no matter how much you earn, unless they’re taxed at the state level. You’ll receive a bit less than 15% in this case.
Your Social Security income is generally not taxable at the federal level if your benefits are your sole income and you receive less than $25,000 in annual benefits. The threshold is $32,000 for married couples.
Some of your Social Security benefits may be taxable if you have additional income sources like tax-exempt interest earnings, a 401(k) plan, or a traditional individual retirement account (IRA).
You must add your adjusted gross income (AGI) plus nontaxable interest to half of the value of your Social Security benefits to calculate the tax. This is the income you’ll use according to the table below.
| Taxable Social Security Income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Filing Status | Income Threshold | Percent Taxable |
| Single, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow/Widower Married, Filing Separately (spouses lived apart for all of the tax year) | $25,000 or less | 0% |
| Single, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow/Widower Married, Filing Separately (spouses lived apart for all of the tax year) | $25,001 to $34,000 | Up to 50% |
| Single, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow/Widower Married, Filing Separately (spouses lived apart for all of the tax year) | More than $34,000 | Up to 85% |
| Married, Filing Jointly | $32,000 or less | 0% |
| Married, Filing Jointly | $32,001 to $44,000 | Up to 50% |
| Married, Filing Jointly | More than $44,000 | Up to 85% |
| Married, Filing Separately (spouses lived together at any time during the tax year) | $0 | Up to 85% |
States That Tax Social Security Benefits
Nine states tax some or all Social Security benefits as of 2025. They tax Social Security benefits with varying methods, using AGI or other figures. Colorado revised its tax policy for Social Security benefits in 2023, making them fully deductible for recipients age 65 and older.
These are the states that tax Social Security benefits:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
Fast Fact
New Mexico allows people age 65 and older to take a $8,000 deduction on their taxable income, which may include Social Security benefits.
How Much Tax Do You Pay on Social Security at Age 62?
Taxation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t depend on your age or when you claim benefits. Taxation depends on the amount of additional taxable income you receive.
What Are the Disadvantages of Taking Social Security Before Full Retirement Age?
The main disadvantage of taking Social Security benefits before you reach your full retirement age, such as at age 62 instead of at 66 or 67, is that your payment will be permanently smaller. Your benefits will be 30% larger for the rest of your life if you wait until your full retirement age to take benefits. Your payment increases by 8% for each year you wait to claim benefits after your full retirement age. The increases stop at age 70.
How Do You Report Social Security When Filing Taxes?
Those who receive Social Security income receive Form SSA-1099, the Social Security Benefit Statement, from the Social Security Administration. This figure will be added to their Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or Form 1040-SR, the U.S. Tax Return for Seniors. Individuals and married couples pay on the taxable portion of their benefits, depending on other income earned during the year.
The Bottom Line
Paying tax on Social Security benefits doesn’t depend on age but on income. How much of your Social Security retirement benefits are subject to federal taxation is unrelated to when you claim benefits, as well. The tax is based on the taxable income individuals or married couples earn.
Nine states also tax Social Security benefits in 2025. Reach out to a tax professional if you have any questions about your situation.
