Find out how much of your Social Security (or equivalent Tier 1 Railroad Retirement) benefits is taxable under IRC §86, and get an estimate of your federal income tax for the year — including the standard deduction, the extra deduction for taxpayers 65+, and the new temporary OBBBA "senior bonus" deduction.
Tax Year 2026| Social Security Worksheet (IRC §86 / Pub. 915) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Social Security benefits | |
| ½ of Social Security benefits | |
| + Other income + tax-exempt interest − adjustments | |
| = Combined income | |
| Base amount threshold | |
| Taxable Social Security benefits |
| Federal Income Tax Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adjusted gross income (approx.) | |
| Standard / itemized deduction used | |
| OBBBA senior bonus deduction (2025–2028) | |
| = Taxable income | |
| Tax on ordinary income | |
| Tax on qualified dividends / LT capital gains | |
| Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%) | |
| Total estimated federal tax |
| Rates | |
|---|---|
| Marginal tax rate (ordinary income) | |
| Effective tax rate (tax ÷ AGI) |
| Bracket | Income taxed at this rate | Tax |
|---|
Under 26 U.S. Code §86 and the "Figuring Your Taxable Benefits" worksheet in IRS Publication 915, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be taxable, depending on your "combined income" — half of your benefits plus all other income (including otherwise tax-exempt interest):
Important: these dollar thresholds are fixed directly in the statute and have not been adjusted for inflation since they were enacted (1984 for the 50% tier, 1993 for the 85% tier) — unlike the standard deduction and tax brackets below, they will not change from Rev. Proc. updates.
Standard deduction, tax brackets, and the additional deduction for age 65+/blind for 2026 come from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32, which also incorporates changes made by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends are taxed separately at 0/15/20% "stacked" on top of ordinary income.
Taxpayers who are 65 or older (and provide a valid SSN) can claim an additional deduction of $6,000 per qualifying spouse ($12,000 on a joint return), on top of the regular standard deduction and the existing extra deduction for age 65+. It is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. It phases out at 6% of MAGI over $75,000 (Single/HoH) or $150,000 (Married Filing Jointly/Qualifying Surviving Spouse), and is not available at all to Married Filing Separately filers. This provision expires after tax year 2028.
This tool provides a simplified estimate for planning purposes only. It does not account for every credit, adjustment, alternative minimum tax, state taxes, additional Medicare tax, or every edge case in the Internal Revenue Code. Your actual tax liability may differ. This is not a substitute for filing a return or for professional advice. Calculator created September 10, 2026 — all figures reflect IRS guidance for Tax Year 2026 current as of that date; always verify current-year numbers at irs.gov before filing.
