Noteboom The Law Firm

Tax Help for Social Security Benefit Recipients

If you or your spouse receive Social Security benefits, you are likely living on a very fixed income and in no position to spend much money on getting help with tax preparations. 

Preparing your yearly income tax can be a stressful and complicated task, particularly when factoring in Social Security - or SSI and SSDI benefit - payments. Generally speaking, if SSI or SSDI were your sole sources of income for the year, you will most likely not pay income tax. 

The Social Security Administration offers a few guidelines for determining your federal tax status: 

• If you will file your federal tax return as an individual and your total yearly income for 2009 exceeded $25,000, you will have to pay taxes on your benefits
• If you and your spouse file a joint return, and the total household income exceeded $32,000, your benefits will be taxed  

If you're looking for guidance on your tax preparation, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers a free program to individuals living on fixed incomes. The program, Tax-Aide, is especially intended for seniors ages 60 and older and those with disabilities. 

Listed below are a few key points to know about Tax-Aide: 

• An estimated 2.6 million taxpayers use Tax-Aide to file their federal, state and local income tax returns

• Volunteers can help with basic tax forms, and suggest that individuals with complicated tax questions seek a paid service 

Remember that these AARP volunteers can only assist with basic tax preparation. They will not be providing information about how to apply for and receive Social Security disability benefits, such as SSI or SSDI. 

When you are interviewing Social Security Disability attorneys ask critical questions, like: how many Social Security Disability hearings do you have per month; do you understand the SSA's POMS (the manual Social Security employees use to process claims); and, do you understand the date last insured and how it affects my disability onset date? The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg P.A. represent thousands of disability claimants. Our disability lawyers possess the experience you need to secure your benefits.