SigMT

SIGMT 2022 Summer

Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1470865

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 95 of 99

96 | SIGNATURE MONTANA When you reach the appropriate age, it's easy to apply for Social Security retirement benefits –go to Social Security's website, fill out the online form, and you're essentially done. But many people overlook the next step – completing Form W-4V, which asks you how much federal income tax you want withheld from your benefits. Skipping this step could present an unpleasant surprise when it's tax-filing time because Social Security benefits can indeed add to your taxable income. Here are the details: • If you're a single filer…If your "combined" income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits. ("Combined" income includes your adjusted gross income, non-taxable interest, and one-half of your annual Social Security benefits.) If your combined income is more than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable. • If you're married and file jointly…If you and your spouse have a combined income between $32,000 and $44,000, you may be taxed on up to 50 percent of your benefits. If your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable. ese numbers might seem high, but they don't mean you'll lose 50 percent, or 85 percent, of your benefits – they are just the percentages of benefits you may be taxed on at your personal income tax rate. To help avoid a big tax bill or an underpayment penalty, you can file Form W-4V with the Social Security Administration and request to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. Your tax advisor can help you choose the withholding percentage that's appropriate for your situation. e amount of taxes you may need to pay will also depend on when you start taking Social Security. e earlier you take benefits, the smaller your monthly checks, and the smaller the taxes. But taxes should not be a key issue in deciding when you need to begin collecting your payments. Consider other factors, such as your anticipated life expectancy, employment situation, spending needs, and spouse's benefits. Here's something else to keep in mind: Because Social Security taxes are based on your overall income, as described above, the amount of money you withdraw during retirement and where that money comes from can also affect your tax situation. For example, withdrawals from ARTICLE PROVIDED BY EDWARD JONES FACTS ON FINANCE is article was wrien by Edward Jones for use by Michael Plummer Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Don't Be Surprised by Social Security Taxes

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of SigMT - SIGMT 2022 Summer