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Provisions Affecting Taxation of Benefits

Present law taxation of Social Security benefits

These provisions revise the current rules for subjecting Social Security benefits to personal income tax. We provide a summary list of all options in this category. For each provision listed below, we provide an estimate of the financial effect on the OASDI program over the long-range period (the next 75 years) and for the 75th year. In addition, we provide graphs and detailed single year tables. We base all estimates on the intermediate assumptions described in the 2011 Trustees Report.

Choose the type of estimates (summary or detailed) from the list of provisions.

Number Table and graph selection
H1 Starting in 2012, tax Social Security benefits in a manner similar to private pension income. Phase out the lower-income thresholds during 2012-2021.
Summary measures and graphs   (PDF version)
Detailed single year tables   (PDF version)
Memorandum containing this or a similar provision:
H2 Starting in 2012, tax Social Security benefits in a manner similar to private pension income. Phase out the lower-income thresholds during 2012-2031.
Summary measures and graphs   (PDF version)
Detailed single year tables   (PDF version)
Memorandum containing this or a similar provision:
H3 Tax Reform for Individuals: Starting in 2013, modify personal income tax by: (a) establishing two-brackets with marginal rates of 15 and 27 percent separated at $51,000 (CPI indexed); (b) creating a non-refundable credit for low-income tax filers age 65 and older; and (c) treating capital gains as regular income. Tax all Social Security benefits at the applicable marginal rate (15 or 27 percent) less a non-refundable credit of 7.5 percent. Base revenue to OASDHI on the net marginal rates of 7.5 and 19.5 percent, with 40 percent of revenue dedicated to HI.
Summary measures and graphs   (PDF version)
Detailed single year tables   (PDF version)
Memorandum containing this or a similar provision:

Above provisions
Summary measures
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Last reviewed or modified January 10, 2012