Скачать или смотреть How To Minimize Taxes on Social Security (2025 Planning Guide)

Many retirees are looking to minimize taxes on social security, and are surprised to find that up to 85% of their Social Security benefits could be taxable. But with the right planning, it's possible to reduce or even eliminate those taxes.

In this video, we’ll explain:
• The 2025 thresholds that determine how much of your benefit is taxable
• What counts toward provisional income
• Five key strategies to minimize or avoid Social Security taxation
• How Roth IRAs, pre-tax withdrawals, and charitable distributions play a role

This video provides actionable planning techniques for retirees and pre-retirees. If you’re planning for retirement, this is information you don’t want to miss.

Contact Michael Ruger with Questions: 518-477-6686 or [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.greenbushfinancial.com/
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00:00 Introduction
00:55 Social Security Tax Levels
01:08 Provisional Income Formula
01:55 Single Filer
02:18 Married Filing Jointly
02:46 Special Note About % of Benefits Taxed
03:15 Delay Taking Social Security
04:23 Drawing Down Pre-Tax Assets
05:19 Roth Conversions
06:03 Qualified Charitable Distribution
07:19 Municipal Bond Interest Mistake
08:08 Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How does the IRS determine how much of my Social Security is taxable?
The IRS uses your “provisional income” to determine taxation, which includes your adjusted gross income (AGI), tax-exempt interest, and 50% of your annual Social Security benefits. Depending on your filing status and total provisional income, up to 50% or 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.

What are the income thresholds for Social Security taxation?
For single filers, provisional income between $25,000 and $34,000 makes up to 50% of benefits taxable, and income above $34,000 makes up to 85% taxable. For married couples filing jointly, the 50% range applies between $32,000 and $44,000, with anything above $44,000 potentially making up to 85% taxable.

Does “85% taxable” mean I pay 85% tax on my benefits?
No. It means that up to 85% of your Social Security benefit is included in your taxable income and taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. You’re not taxed at 85%; rather, that portion is subject to your regular tax bracket.

How can I reduce or avoid taxes on my Social Security benefits?
You can lower taxable income by delaying Social Security, making Roth conversions before claiming benefits, or drawing down pre-tax accounts early in retirement. Using qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs after age 70½ can also reduce taxable income and lower how much of your benefit is taxed.

What are Roth conversions and how can they help with Social Security taxes?
A Roth conversion shifts money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, paying taxes now so future withdrawals are tax-free. Since Roth withdrawals don’t count toward provisional income, converting before claiming Social Security can reduce taxes in later years.

How do Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) affect Social Security taxation?
QCDs let you donate up to $100,000 per year directly from an IRA to a charity, satisfying required minimum distributions (RMDs) without increasing taxable income. By lowering your income, QCDs can reduce the portion of your Social Security benefits subject to tax.

Does tax-free interest from municipal bonds affect Social Security taxation?
Yes. Although municipal bond interest is exempt from federal income tax, it is included in the provisional income formula. Large amounts of tax-free interest can unintentionally increase the taxable portion of your Social Security benefits.