Tax season is already here, and if you’re one of the millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits, there’s one important document you’ll need to complete your taxes this year. Whether you’re required to file taxes depends on your personal situation, but if you do, your Social Security benefit statement is essential.
Many Social Security recipients are unsure if they need to file taxes at all. Some may not have to, but others, especially those with extra sources of income, might. Either way, having the right paperwork ready will make the process easier and avoid any last-minute stress.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- What is a Social Security benefit statement?
- Why it’s important for filing taxes
- When you should receive it
- How to request a new copy if you don’t have yours
We’ll also share helpful tips to keep you prepared during tax season.
What Is a Social Security Benefit Statement?
The Social Security benefit statement is also called SSA-1099. If you are a non-citizen living outside the US, it’s known as SSA-1042S. This statement shows the total amount of Social Security benefits you received in the last year.
You use this document to report your income when filing your taxes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been sending these statements every year since 1999.
However, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you won’t get a benefits statement. That’s because SSI payments are not taxable income. Only Social Security benefits (like retirement, disability, or survivor benefits) require this statement for tax purposes.
Why Do You Need This Benefit Statement?
Not everyone who receives Social Security benefits has to file taxes. If your only income is Social Security, there’s a good chance you won’t need to file a tax return. But if you have other income sources, like part-time work, pensions, or investments, things change.
In such cases, your benefit statement is used to figure out how much of your Social Security income is taxable. Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxed.
This is why having the SSA-1099 form is crucial. Whether you’re doing your taxes yourself or working with a tax professional, you’ll need this statement to calculate your income properly.
When Do You Get the Benefit Statement?
The SSA sends out benefit statements every year in January. Most recipients receive their form through the mail. However, if you’ve signed up for an online My Social Security account, you can view and download a digital copy.
For 2024 taxes, the benefit statements were available online starting February 1st, 2024.
If you haven’t received yours yet, don’t worry—there are easy ways to request a new copy.
How to Request a New Benefit Statement
Sometimes, things happen—you might accidentally throw away your form, or it might never reach you. In that case, here’s what you should do:
1. Call the SSA Directly
You can request a replacement benefit statement by calling 800-772-1213. They will guide you through the steps to get a new copy.
2. Log in to Your My Social Security Account
If you already have an account, log in and check the available documents section. You can view, download, or print your SSA-1099 form anytime.
Note: If you sign up for a new My Social Security account today, the online form might not be available immediately because your account is new. In that case, calling SSA is the best option.
Many Americans Are Worried About Taxes This Year
If you’re feeling anxious about tax season, you’re not alone. According to a CNET survey from February 2024, about 44% of American adults reported feeling some kind of anxiety regarding taxes. The top worries include:
- Making mistakes on tax forms
- Worrying their sensitive financial data might be exposed
- Fearing they’ll owe more money than they can pay
This is why being prepared and having all your necessary documents—like your benefit statement—can ease some of that stress.
Quick Tax Tips for Social Security Recipients
Here are a few more tips to help you handle your taxes smoothly this year:
✅ Double-Check Your Documents
Make sure you have the SSA-1099 form and any other income-related paperwork.
✅ Create a My Social Security Account
It’s free and gives you quick access to your benefit statements and other important documents.
✅ Know Your Tax Filing Requirements
Check if your income requires you to file taxes. Even if Social Security is your main income source, additional earnings might push you above the taxable limit.
✅ Consider Professional Help
If you’re unsure how to calculate your taxable income, consulting a tax professional can save you time and money.
Final Thoughts
Filing taxes might feel like a headache, but knowing what documents you need makes things much easier. If you receive Social Security benefits, your SSA-1099 benefit statement is one of the most important forms you’ll need.
Check your mail or log in to your My Social Security account to download your copy. And if you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to call the SSA for a replacement.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and make tax season stress-free this year.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.