At what age do you stop paying Social Security and Medicare taxes?

Asked by: Dolores Smitham  |  Last update: September 30, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (53 votes)

The fact is, there is no specific age at which your Social Security benefits automatically become nontaxable.

Does a 70 year old have to pay taxes on Social Security?

While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums?

You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

At what point do you stop paying Social Security taxes?

There is a maximum amount of income per year that is subject to Social Security tax. For tax year 2024, that amount is $168,600. Any income earned in excess of this amount is exempt from the tax.

At what age does Social Security stop paying?

Your benefits last as long as you live. Taking benefits before your full retirement age (as early as age 62) lowers the amount you get each month. Delaying benefits past full retirement age (up to age 70) increases the monthly amount for the rest of your life.

At what age do I stop paying into Social Security?

34 related questions found

At what age do you no longer have to pay income taxes?

At What Age Can You Stop Filing Taxes? Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher.

What does Suze Orman say about taking Social Security at 62?

Collecting at Age 62 or 70 Is Not an Either/Or Situation

“Each month you wait to claim increases your monthly amount for the rest of your life. If you can live off of your 401(k) or other retirement income for 6-12 months and wait to claim Social Security, you end up with a longer benefit for life.”

At what age does the IRS stop taxing Social Security?

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

Do seniors still get an extra tax deduction?

Taxpayers 65 and older qualify for an additional standard deduction, reducing their taxable income. The extra deduction amount differs based on filing status and whether the taxpayer or spouse is blind. The IRS updates the deduction amounts annually for inflation, impacting tax filings.

Who is exempt from paying Social Security taxes?

Children under 18 who work for their parents in a family-owned business also do not have to pay Social Security taxes. Likewise, people under 21 who work as housekeepers, babysitters, gardeners or perform similar domestic work are exempt from this tax.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

When can I stop paying Medicare tax?

Investment income: As mentioned above, if you stop earning income at a job or as a self-employed individual, and start earning your income from investments alone, you will no longer be liable for paying the Medicare tax because only earned income is subject to this tax.

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

Unlike Part A, Medicare Part B has a monthly premium, which can cost $185.00 to $628.90 depending on income. It has a late enrollment penalty for anybody who enrolls without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

At what point do seniors stop paying taxes?

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For 2021, single taxpayers are required to file a tax return if their gross income is $12,550 or more; however, single taxpayers 65 or older are not required to file unless their gross income is $14,250 or more.

Does Social Security count as income?

Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

What are the new tax changes for 2024?

For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction rises to $14,600 for 2024, an increase of $750 from 2023; and for heads of households, the standard deduction will be $21,900 for tax year 2024, an increase of $1,100 from the amount for tax year 2023.

At what point in the year do you stop paying Social Security taxes?

The taxable maximum normally increases each year. (For reference, it's set at $168,600 for 2024.) In other words, if you are lucky enough to make $175,000 in 2024, you would pay a 12.4 percent Social Security tax on every dollar earned up to $168,600, but then stop paying the Social Security tax after that.

Do seniors with only Social Security have to file taxes?

Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

What is the #1 reason to take Social Security at 62?

Those facing financial emergencies, such as a layoff or debt, may benefit from accessing Social Security early. If you retire early and need extra income, Social Security benefits can provide supplemental funds to support your new lifestyle, hobbies or retirement activities.

What is the average Social Security check for someone 65 and older?

According to the Social Security Administration, or SSA, the monthly retirement benefit for Social Security recipients is currently $1,783.55 in 2024 on average. Several factors can drag that average up or down, but you have the most control over the biggest variable of all — the age that you decide to cash in.

Is Social Security enough to live off of when you retire?

Most financial advisers say you will need about 70% to 80% of pre-retirement income — including your Social Security benefits, investments, and personal savings — to live comfortably in retirement. We want you to understand what Social Security can mean to you and your family's financial future.