Is Social Security Taxed? Yes! Especially for Widows

An episode of the The Josh Scandlen Podcast podcast, hosted by Josh Scandlen, titled "Is Social Security Taxed? Yes! Especially for Widows " was published on February 25, 2019 and runs 14 minutes.

February 25, 2019 ·14m · The Josh Scandlen Podcast

Summary

Social Security taxation is one of my all-time pet peeves. Primarily this annoys me because by the time the taxes are felt, it's too late for the taxpayer to do anything about it. At that point, it's just a matter of hoping they have enough resources to pay the tax-man and live comfortably. In this video, I show you an article from Money magazine where in passing a tax pro mentioned how tax-exempt benefits are taxed when it comes to your Social Security. Unfortunately, this mention was made in passing and  I imagine most people would overlook it.  He said that tax-exempt interest is counted in your combined income to determine the amount of taxes you pay on Social Security.  But the writer of the article completely failed to discuss in any further detail, as is typical with business writers.  They seem to over-look what should be obvious and thus fail to ask the fundamental question "You mean to tell me, my tax-exempt interest can make my Social Security subject to taxation?"   Doesn't that seem odd.  That tax-exempt interest is part of the calculation for determining taxes on Social Security?  Of course it does!  Tax-exempt is "Tax Exempt", after all.  But it's not! Why the financial media and other financial professionals don't understand this boggles my mind. But it gets worse! How Social Security is taxed is also contingent on if you're married or single. A single person with $34k of Social Security benefits and $20k of other income, pays $1616 in Federal Income tax. A married couple with $40k of Social Security and $20k of other income pays NOTHING in Federal Income tax.  Yes, you heard that correct - NOTHING! The single person had gross income of $54k and paid nearly $2k in taxes.  The married couple had gross income of $60 and paid nothing. In fact for the married couple to pay the same amount of tax as that single person they'd need a whole lot more gross income. But here's the problem; What are YOU doing about your future tax, now?   Is your tax software helping you understand the tax trap that awaits? Your financial advisor? Your accountant? I doubt it.  What most tax planning does is account for where you are today, without giving much a thought to what your circumstances will be in the future.  Then, it's too late.  When you're an 80 year old widow with a tax bill of $10k there isn't much you can do. You pay the tax man, or they come after you. So, plan now! Resources: http://time.com/money/5207087/is-social-security-taxed/ https://youtu.be/ab-x2Nn_Uhw https://youtu.be/ZxFqg6NJyYg https://youtu.be/eaSEqYPuHKs ================================= If you like what you see, a thumbs up helps A LOT. So, give me a thumbs up, please! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSEzy4i9xrKPoaU9z0_XbmA?sub_confirmation=1 GET MY BOOK:   Strategic Money Planning: 8 Easy Ways To Put Your House In Order It's FREE if you're a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber! https://amzn.to/2wKGi50 GET ALL MY LATEST BLOGPOSTS: http://heritagewealthplanning.com/blog/

Episode Description