You can have 7%, 10%, 12% or 22% of each monthly Social Security payment withheld for federal income tax, instead of paying a big bill at tax time. SSA says you owe tax on benefits if your combined income tops $25,000 a year filing individually or $32,000 filing jointly.
Combined income is 50% of your benefit amount plus any other earned income. This guide is general information, not tax advice.
The short answer
- When tax applies: combined income above $25,000 a year (individual) or $32,000 (joint).
- Two ways to pay: send money to the IRS yourself, or have SSA withhold from your payment.
- Rates you can pick: 7%, 10%, 12% or 22% of your monthly payment.
- Online: sign in to your account to start, stop or change the withholding.
- By phone: call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones. Tell the representative the percent to withhold. TTY is 1-800-325-0778.
How does withholding work?
Withholding spreads your tax across the year. SSA says you can submit a request to pay taxes on your benefit throughout the year instead of paying a large bill at tax time.
You stay in control. After signing in, you can start, stop or change the withholding from your monthly payment at any time. It is optional: you can also pay the IRS directly.
Which option should you choose?
- Withhold if you want taxes handled automatically and no surprise bill in spring.
- Pay the IRS directly if you prefer to control the timing and amounts yourself.
- Do neither if your combined income stays under $25,000 (individual) or $32,000 (joint). Benefits are taxed only above those lines.
Not covered: whether you owe tax in your own case and how much. It depends on your total income, so check IRS.gov or ask a tax preparer.
Where does this fit with your tax return?
Read the difference between a credit and a deduction in tax credit vs tax deduction. If you already owe the IRS money, see IRS payment plan vs offer in compromise.
Questions and answers
What percentages can I choose?
7%, 10%, 12% or 22% of your monthly payment.
Can I stop the withholding later?
Yes. After you sign in to your account, you can start, stop or change it.
Do I have to withhold?
No. You can pay the IRS directly instead.
What counts as combined income?
50% of your benefit amount plus any other earned income.
How do I ask for withholding without going online?
Call 1-800-772-1213 on a weekday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones and tell the representative the percent you want withheld.
Sources
Facts read on 25 October 2026.
Part of the guide: Social Security, Medicare and Taxes: Guides From Official Sources
