Tax season is here, and if you haven’t filed yet, now’s the time to get ready. If you receive Social Security benefits, you might not need to file taxes this year—it depends on your situation.
If you plan to file taxes and receive Social Security benefits, you’ll need your benefits statement to complete the process.
Below, we’ll explain what the statement is for, when you should have received it, and how to request a new one if you don’t have it.
If you’re feeling stressed about taxes, you’re not alone. A February CNET survey found that 44% of American adults feel anxious about their taxes.
Common concerns include making mistakes, having sensitive information exposed, or owing more than they can afford.
For more tax advice, check out these tips to boost your refund in 2025.
What Is a Social Security Benefits Statement?
The Social Security benefit statement, known as the SSA-1099 (or SSA-1042S for noncitizens living outside the US), shows the total benefits you received in the previous year. It helps you report your income on your tax return.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been sending out benefit statements since 1999. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not taxable, so SSI recipients won’t get a benefit statement.
What Is the Benefit Statement Used For?
If Social Security is your main source of income, you likely won’t need to file taxes. However, if you have other sources of income, the benefit statement helps determine whether any of your Social Security benefits are taxable.
You’ll need this document when preparing your taxes or sharing your financial details with a tax professional.
When Should You Receive Your Benefit Statement?
The SSA usually sends benefit statements in January, and most people receive them by mail.
If you have a My Social Security account, you can also view and download your statement online. As of February 1, 2024, online copies are available.
How to Request a New Benefit Statement?
If you lost your benefit statement or didn’t receive one, you can request a replacement by calling the SSA at 800-772-1213.
If you already have a My Social Security account, you can log in to access and print your statement. However, if you just created a new account, the document may not be available right away. In that case, contact the SSA directly for more help.
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