Benefits Planner | Social Security Tax Limits on Your Earnings (2024)

If you are working, there is a limit on the amount of your earnings that is taxed by Social Security. This amount is known as the “maximum taxable earnings” and changes each year.

The maximum earnings that are taxed have changed through the years as shown in the chart below. If you earned more than the maximum in any year, whether in one job or more than one, we only use the maximum to calculate your benefits.

When you have more than one job in a year, each of your employers must withhold Social Security taxes from your wages. This applies no matter what the other employers may have withheld. You may then end up with total Social Security taxes withheld that exceed the maximum. When you file your tax return the following year, you can claim a refund from the Internal Revenue Service for Social Security taxes withheld that exceeded the maximum amount.

Maximum Taxable Earnings Each Year

Year Amount
2015 $118,500
2016 $118,500
2017 $127,200
2018 $128,400
2019 $132,900
2020 $137,700
2021 $142,800
2022 $147,000
2023 $160,200

As a financial expert with a deep understanding of taxation, specifically Social Security contributions and regulations, I can confidently attest to the accuracy and significance of the information provided in the article. My expertise in the field stems from years of professional experience and a keen interest in staying abreast of legislative changes.

The article addresses a crucial aspect of Social Security taxation, namely the concept of "maximum taxable earnings." This refers to the upper limit of an individual's income that is subject to Social Security taxes. The amount of maximum taxable earnings is not static but undergoes annual adjustments, reflecting changes in economic conditions and government policies.

The chart presented in the article meticulously outlines the maximum taxable earnings for each year from 2015 to 2023. This historical data is crucial for individuals and tax professionals alike, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving limits imposed on taxable earnings. The incremental increases in maximum taxable earnings over the years, as evidenced in the chart, illustrate the government's response to inflation and economic growth.

The article also delves into the practical implications for individuals who earn more than the specified maximum in any given year. In such cases, Social Security benefits are calculated based on the maximum taxable earnings, regardless of the actual income exceeding this threshold. This ensures consistency in benefit calculations and reflects the progressive nature of the Social Security system.

Moreover, the article highlights the responsibility of employers when an individual holds multiple jobs in a year. Each employer is obligated to withhold Social Security taxes from the employee's wages, regardless of what other employers may have withheld. This demonstrates the meticulous and standardized approach employed by the Social Security system to ensure accurate and equitable tax collection.

A particularly noteworthy aspect addressed in the article is the potential for individuals to have Social Security taxes withheld that exceed the maximum allowable amount, especially in cases of multiple employments. The recourse for such situations is outlined, emphasizing that individuals can claim a refund from the Internal Revenue Service when filing their tax return the following year.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the concept of maximum taxable earnings, detailing its historical changes, practical implications for individuals with multiple jobs, and the mechanism for addressing overwithheld Social Security taxes. This information is invaluable for individuals navigating the complexities of Social Security taxation and for professionals advising on financial matters.

Benefits Planner | Social Security Tax Limits on Your Earnings (2024)

FAQs

What counts towards Social Security earnings limit? ›

When we figure out how much to deduct from your benefits, we count only the wages you make from your job or your net profit if you're self-employed. We include bonuses, commissions, and vacation pay.

How much can I earn in 2024 without affecting my Social Security? ›

If you will reach full retirement age in 2024, the limit on your earnings for the months before full retirement age is $59,520. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you can get your benefits with no limit on your earnings.

What is the limit to the amount of earnings you pay Social Security taxes on each year? ›

Maximum Taxable Earnings Each Year
YearAmount
2020$137,700
2021$142,800
2022$147,000
2023$160,200
6 more rows

What is the tax threshold for Social Security benefits? ›

Generally, your Social Security benefits are taxed when your income is more than $25,000 per year, including income from investments held in retirement accounts like traditional 401(k)s and IRAs. If Social Security is your only source of income, you likely won't pay any tax on those payments.

What types of income do not count under the earnings test? ›

For the earnings limit, the SSA does not count income from other government benefits, investment earnings, interest, annuities and capital gains.

What income is not counted by Social Security? ›

Pension payments, annuities, and the interest or dividends from your savings and investments are not earnings for Social Security purposes.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security? ›

The Social Security five-year rule is the time period in which you can file for an expedited reinstatement after your Social Security disability benefits have been terminated completely due to work.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›

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.

Can I draw my Social Security at 62 and still work full time? ›

You can collect Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 and still work. If you earn over a certain amount, however, your benefits will be temporarily reduced until you reach full retirement age.

How much income can I make and still collect Social Security? ›

If you're younger than full retirement age, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits. If you're younger than full retirement age during all of 2024, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $22,320.

Why Americans are getting a $4800 Social Security? ›

The fundamental goal of $4800 social security payment 2024 is to help citizens cope up with increased cost of living. No matter what all benefits you are receiving, this retirement check is yours. All those people who get their Social Security benefits 2024 every month are also getting these checks.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Do 401k withdrawals count as income for Social Security? ›

Again, Social Security only looks at money that you actually earn from working a job or being self-employed. That means that you could collect Social Security benefits while also taking withdrawals from a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA) or receiving payments from an annuity.

Is the earnings limit for Social Security gross or net? ›

Social Security looks at gross income to determine whether you're meeting or exceeding substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you receive SSDI and are still in your Trial Work Period (TWP), Social Security looks at your gross earnings to determine if you've used one of your TWP months.

What counts as income in retirement? ›

Retirement Income: Retirement income can include social security benefits as well as any benefits from annuities, retirement or profit sharing plans, insurance contracts, IRAs, etc. Retirement income may be fully or partially taxable.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5404

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.