The federal government taxes the Social Security benefits of some retirees if their provisional income exceeds thresholds for their marital status.

Tax season is almost upon us, and it might be a good idea to get prepared ahead of time. If you receive Social Security benefits, you might not have to file taxes for 2025, but it depends on your situation.

The good news is that in most cases, Social Security is not taxable at the state level. 41 states do not tax Social Security income whatsoever. Not only that, but most of the states that do tax Social Security use far looser rules than the federal government.

The average Social Security payment will rise by more than $50 per month starting in January, thanks to the federal government’s 3.2% annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. A 3.2% increase in the average Social Security check—about $1,

Retired public workers will get check adjustments and retro pay under the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act.

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for some retirees who also received pension income.

The Social Security Fairness Act boosted payments for millions of Americans, but with the higher checks could come tax burdens.

Public service workers, including some teachers, firefighters and police officers, may soon see their Social Security payments increase by hundreds of dollars monthly.