How much of your Social Security benefit is taxable (the IRC §86 0/50/85% rule).
Open the Social Security Taxation tool →Most people think Social Security is either fully taxed or not taxed at all. It's neither: a sliding 0%, up to 50%, or up to 85% of your benefit is taxable, depending on your 'provisional income' — your other income (your AGI without Social Security) plus any tax-exempt interest plus half of your benefits.
There are two base amounts (single $25,000 / $34,000; married jointly $32,000 / $44,000). Below the first, none of your benefit is taxable. Between the two, up to half is. Above the second, up to 85% is — and 85% is the most that's ever taxable, no matter how high your income. These thresholds are written into the law (IRC §86) and have never been adjusted for inflation, so the same numbers apply every year, which is why more retirees cross them over time.
Enter your annual benefit, your other income, and any tax-exempt interest. We follow the IRS Publication 915 worksheet exactly to show how much of your benefit lands in taxable income — that taxable portion is then taxed at your ordinary rate, so pair it with the Take-Home or Federal Income Tax tools to see the dollars.
Computed entirely on your device for U.S. taxes and benefits. Nothing is ever sent anywhere, and it is free forever. Educational information, not financial, tax, investment, or legal advice.