Is Social Security Taxable in 2026? What Retirees Need to Know This Year

For millions of retirees, Social Security is a core source of monthly income.

In 2026, whether those benefits are taxed depends on your combined income, not your age or benefit amount alone.

Yes, Social Security can be taxed in 2026 — but not everyone pays.
 

How Taxes Are Determined

The IRS uses combined income, which includes:

• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

• Non-taxable interest

• 50% of Social Security benefits

Federal tax thresholds:

Single filers

• Under $25,000: not taxed

• $25,000–$34,000: up to 50% taxable

• Over $34,000: up to 85% taxable

Married filing jointly

• Under $32,000: not taxed

• $32,000–$44,000: up to 50% taxable

• Over $44,000: up to 85% taxable

Up to 85% taxable means that portion may be counted as income — not that it’s taxed at 85%.

Read: Double SSI Payments in 2026: Complete Schedule and Months Without Deposits

 

Relief for 2026

Adults 65 and older can claim a new senior deduction of $6,000 ($12,000 for couples).

The White House estimates this could raise the share of retirees who owe no federal tax on Social Security from 64% to 88%.

Most states don’t tax Social Security. In 2026, nine states still do, but West Virginia will fully eliminate the tax this year.

 

Possible Changes Ahead

A proposal called the You Earned It, You Keep It Act would eliminate federal taxes on Social Security, but it has not been approved yet.

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