You can change how much tax Social Security withholds from your benefits

If you receive Social Security benefits, federal income tax is withheld automatically unless you chose not to have it taken out. You can change your withholding amount, stop withholding entirely, or start withholding if you did not choose it before. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it online, by mail, or by phone.

The amount withheld depends on what you told Social Security when you started benefits. Many people choose to have 10% withheld, but you can request a different percentage or a flat dollar amount instead. Some people choose zero withholding and pay taxes when they file their return. Others increase withholding if they have other income and expect to owe money at tax time.

Key Takeaways

  • You change tax withholding by submitting Form W-4V to Social Security, either online through your my Social Security account, by mail, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
  • You can request any percentage between 7% and 20%, a flat dollar amount per month, or zero withholding.
  • Changes take effect on your next benefit payment, which arrives the month after you submit the form.
  • You do not need to change withholding every year unless your tax situation changes significantly.

How to submit Form W-4V online

The fastest way to change your withholding is through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. Once logged in, look for "Manage your benefits" and select the option to change your tax withholding.

You will see your current withholding choice and can select a new one from the dropdown menu. The options are 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or no withholding. You can also request a specific dollar amount if none of those percentages fit your situation. After you submit, you will see a confirmation page. Social Security will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks.

Changing withholding by mail or phone

If you do not have a my Social Security account or prefer not to use it, you can print Form W-4V from ssa.gov and mail it to your local Social Security office. The form is one page and takes two minutes to fill out. Write your name, Social Security number, and the withholding option you want, then sign and date it. Mail it to the address listed on the form.

You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A representative can walk you through the options and submit the change over the phone. Have your Social Security number ready. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Changes made by phone or mail take effect on your next payment, which arrives the month after you submit.

When your change takes effect

Social Security processes withholding changes monthly. If you submit your change before the 15th of the month, it usually takes effect on your next benefit payment. If you submit after the 15th, it may take until the following month's payment. Your benefit amount does not change — only the amount of tax withheld from it.

For example, if your monthly benefit is $1,500 and you request 10% withholding, Social Security will withhold $150 and pay you $1,350. If you change to 20% withholding, they will withhold $300 and pay you $1,200 starting the next month.

Reasons to change your withholding

You might increase withholding if you have other income — from a job, a pension, or investments — and expect to owe taxes when you file your return. Having more withheld throughout the year can prevent a large bill in April. You might decrease withholding or choose zero withholding if you have little other income and do not expect to owe anything.

Some people choose zero withholding and instead make quarterly estimated tax payments if they owe. Others increase withholding to cover taxes on other income so they do not have to make separate payments. There is no single right choice — it depends on your total income and how much you want withheld each month.

What happens if you do not change anything

If you do not submit a new Form W-4V, your withholding stays the same. Social Security does not automatically change your withholding based on age, income, or tax law changes. You only need to change it if your situation changes — for example, if you go back to work, start receiving a pension, or your other income increases or decreases significantly.

If you chose zero withholding when you started benefits and have not changed it, no tax is being withheld from your payments. You are responsible for paying any taxes you owe when you file your return, either as a lump sum or through quarterly estimated payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my withholding more than once a year?

Yes. You can change your withholding as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can submit a new Form W-4V. If your income changes during the year, you can adjust your withholding to match.

What if I want a specific dollar amount withheld instead of a percentage?

You can request a flat dollar amount on Form W-4V. For example, you could request $200 withheld each month instead of a percentage. Write the dollar amount in the space provided on the form. This option works well if you have a specific tax bill you want to cover each month.

Does changing my withholding affect my benefit amount?

No. Changing your withholding only changes how much tax is taken out. Your actual Social Security benefit payment stays the same. If you request 10% withholding, you receive 90% of your benefit. If you change to zero withholding, you receive 100% of your benefit, but you will owe the tax when you file your return.

What if I made a mistake on my Form W-4V?

Submit a new form with the correct information. Social Security will process the new form and your withholding will change on your next payment. You do not need to cancel the old form — just submit the corrected one.

Can I see what I have already had withheld this year?

Yes. Log into your my Social Security account and look at your payment history. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to tell you your year-to-date withholding. Social Security will also send you a Form SSA-1099 in January showing all the benefits you received and all taxes withheld in the previous year.