How Social Security benefits taxed

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Social Security benefits are directed by federal income taxes if your income is high enough. Currently individuals pay taxes on 50 percent of their benefits if their combined income is $25,000-34,000. Individuals pay taxes on 85 percent of their benefits if their income is over $34,000.
For joint return filers, the 50 percent tax level runs from $32,000-44,000, and the 85 percent level starts at $44,000.

Combined income = AGI + 'tax-free' interest + half your Social Security benefits