Social Security and your taxes

Is my Social Security taxable?

Sometimes. It depends on your other income. Your benefits are not taxable unless your other income plus one half of your benefits is more than the base amount for your filing status. Bring your Form SSA-1099 and we will work it out.

• If Social Security was your only income for the year, your benefits may not be taxable, and you may not have to file a return.
• If you are married and file a joint return, you and your spouse combine your incomes and your benefits to work out the taxable part, even if your spouse received no benefits.
• If you received a lump-sum payment this year for an earlier year, such as disability back pay, there is a special election that may reduce the taxable amount.

Does Rhode Island tax Social Security?

Sometimes. Rhode Island has its own subtraction for Social Security benefits, with an income limit and, until tax year 2027, an age requirement. Whether you qualify is worked out on your state return.

What is new for retirees

• Rhode Island drops the age test for its Social Security subtraction
• Rhode Island: up to $50,000 of pension and retirement-plan income can be subtracted
• A new $6,000 federal deduction for people 65 and older

What to bring

Your Form SSA-1099, which should arrive by early February, any 1099-R forms for pensions and retirement accounts, photo ID, and last year's return if you have it. The full list.

What it costs

A senior or simple return, a Form 1040 or 1040-SR with retirement or Social Security income, is $125 in person, or $100 by digital drop-off. See all prices.

Sources: IRS Topic no. 423, Social Security and equivalent Railroad Retirement benefits; Rhode Island Division of Taxation, Summary of Legislative Changes, July 22, 2026. Read on 2026-11-14. This page is general information, not tax advice for your situation.