Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security at age 70?

Asked by: Thaddeus Gleason  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (41 votes)

Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. 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.

Is Social Security taxable income after age 70?

Yes, Social Security is taxed federally after the age of 70. If you get a Social Security check, it will always be part of your taxable income, regardless of your age. There is some variation at the state level, though, so make sure to check the laws for the state where you live.

How much money can a 70 year old make without paying 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.

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.

Is there really a downside to claiming Social Security at 70?

Taking Social Security early reduces your benefits, but you'll also receive monthly payments for a longer period of time. On the other hand, taking Social Security later results in fewer checks during your lifetime, but delaying means each check will be larger.

How Social Security is Taxed | Made Easy!

36 related questions found

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.

What happens if you take Social Security at age 70?

If you start receiving retirement benefits at age: 67, you'll get 108 percent of the monthly benefit because you delayed getting benefits for 12 months. 70, you'll get 132 percent of the monthly benefit because you delayed getting benefits for 48 months.

How much of my Social Security is taxable income?

Substantial income includes wages, earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return. Between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. More than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.

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.

Do you have to pay capital gains after age 70?

Seniors must pay capital gains taxes at the same rates as everyone else—no special age-based exemption exists.

Do I need to file taxes if I only receive Social Security?

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.

Will Social Security be taxed in 2024 for seniors?

Unless your combined income for 2024 is less than $25,000 (less than $32,000 for married couples filing jointly), a percentage of your Social Security payments will be subject to income tax.

What seniors are not required to file taxes?

These filing rules still apply to senior citizens who are living on Social Security benefits. However, if Social Security is your sole source of income, then you don't need to file a tax return.

How much can I earn at age 70 without paying taxes?

For retirees 65 and older, here's when you can stop filing taxes: Single retirees who earn less than $14,250. Married retirees filing jointly, who earn less than $26,450 if one spouse is 65 or older or who earn less than $27,800 if both spouses are age 65 or older. Married retirees filing separately who earn less than ...

Do I need to notify Social Security when I turn 70?

Because you are age 70 or older, you should apply for your Social Security benefits. You can receive benefits even if you still work. Waiting beyond age 70 will not increase your benefits. You can claim your retirement benefits now.

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.

Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?

Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

How much does a wife get of her husband's Social Security if he dies?

Surviving spouse, any age, with a child younger than age 16, gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount. Child gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount. There's a limit to the benefits we can pay to you and other family members each month. The limit varies between 150% and 180% of the deceased worker's benefit amount.

Is it better to file separately if one spouse is on Social Security?

If you received Social Security or railroad retirement benefits and lived with your spouse at any time in the year, more of your benefits could be taxable with a separate tax return.

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.

At what age can you earn unlimited income on Social Security?

How much can you earn and still get benefits? later, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 67. If you work, and are at full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

Do 70 year olds pay Social Security tax?

Everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits must pay Social Security taxes. However, there are narrow exceptions to paying Social Security taxes that apply at any age, such as an individual who qualifies for a religious exemption.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

At what age is Social Security not taxable?

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? Social Security income can be subject to federal income tax no matter how old you are. The IRS determines if your Social Security benefits are taxable based on income, not age.