Retirement Social Security

Social Security Recipients Face a Potential Tax Surprise on Their 2025 Returns

These factors could raise taxable income for some retirees.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Kristy DeSmit

Updated March 22, 2026

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Retirees may assume their Social Security benefits are either fully tax-free or taxed at a modest rate. But rising benefit amounts and shifting legislation could mean a larger portion of those payments is subject to federal income tax.

As annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) increase monthly checks, some recipients may find themselves crossing long-standing income thresholds. That combination could result in an unexpected tax bill this spring.

Here's what Social Security recipients should know before filing their 2025 returns.

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When Social Security becomes taxable

Social Security benefits have been subject to federal taxation for decades. Under a 1983 law, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable for single filers with income above $25,000 and for married couples filing jointly with income above $32,000.

A 1993 expansion increased the taxable portion to as much as 85% of benefits for single filers earning more than $34,000 and joint filers with income exceeding $44,000.

These income thresholds are based on "combined income," which includes adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. Importantly, those thresholds have never been indexed for inflation. As a result, more retirees have gradually become subject to taxation over time.

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Social Security 2026 COLA

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 2.8% in 2026. The adjustment affects approximately 75 million Americans receiving benefits. Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries saw the higher payments reflected in checks as of January 2026.

For roughly 7.5 million SSI recipients, the increase began slightly earlier on December 31, 2025. While the adjustment helps benefits keep pace with inflation, it also raises total annual income for recipients.

How the COLA increase could push retirees into higher tax brackets

Even a modest cost-of-living adjustment can affect taxable income. Because benefit thresholds for taxation remain fixed, higher payments may cause some retirees to exceed the $25,000, $32,000, $34,000, or $44,000 income limits. That could increase the portion of benefits subject to tax from 0% to 50%, or from 50% to as much as 85%.

In addition, higher overall income may affect marginal tax brackets. While the federal tax system adjusts brackets annually for inflation, the Social Security taxation thresholds have not changed in decades. This dynamic can gradually expose more retirees to federal income tax on their benefits.

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Possible impact of the Social Security Fairness Act

The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) could further complicate the picture for some retirees. The bill repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two rules that reduced benefits for certain public employees, such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters.

As of February 25, 2025, the Social Security Administration began adjusting monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits had previously been impacted by the WEP and GPO.

The proposal also allows for retroactive adjustments, meaning some recipients will receive lump-sum payments for prior months. Those lump sums would be taxable in 2025, and up to 85% could be included in taxable income if combined income exceeds the established thresholds. A one-time payment could temporarily raise income enough to increase tax liability for that year.

To avoid a surprise bill, retirees expecting higher income in 2025 may consider having federal taxes withheld from their benefits using IRS Form W-4V. Additionally, quarterly estimated payments could help spread the tax burden throughout the year.

Why planning ahead matters

Because Social Security taxes are based on total combined income, retirees should review all income sources — including pensions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and investment earnings. A small increase in one category can trigger a higher taxable portion of benefits. Timing withdrawals strategically or spreading out income may help manage exposure.

Working with a tax professional can provide clarity if you anticipate receiving retroactive benefits or higher COLA payments. Even modest adjustments to withholding could reduce the risk of penalties or large balances due. Proactive planning may offer greater control over your annual tax picture.

Bottom line

Rising Social Security payments and legislative changes could increase taxable income for some retirees in 2025. Because the income thresholds that determine benefit taxation have not been adjusted for inflation, more recipients may find up to 85% of their benefits subject to federal income tax.

Understanding how COLA increases, lump-sum payments, and combined income interact may help you prepare for filing season. Reviewing withholding options now could help you avoid money mistakes when tax time arrives.

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