If you haven’t checked how much you might owe in taxes this year as a Social Security beneficiary, now’s the time to look. The 8.7% cost of living adjustment in 2023 that increased your monthly checks could make filing taxes a bit more difficult this year due to the higher taxes you might owe.
Keep in mind that if your only source of income comes from your Social Security benefits, you likely don’t need to file a tax return — but this statement can help you find out. If you receive other income, such as from a job, the COLA increase could have placed you in a higher tax bracket. We’ll explain.
Keep reading to find out if your taxes will be affected by the 2023 COLA increase. For more Social Security details, here’s why you don’t want to throw away that COLA letter you got last year. Here’s the Social Security payment schedule, and how to file your tax return for free. Also, check out CNET’s best tax software for 2024.
Read more: File Early and Get Up to 20% Off Your 2023 Taxes With TurboTax
Can Social Security beneficiaries be affected by the 2023 COLA increase?
| Taxable income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| $11,600 or less | 10% |
| $11,601 – $47,150 | $1,160 plus 12% of income over $11,600 |
| $47,151 – $100,525 | $5,426 plus 22% of income over $47,150 |
| $100,526 – $191,950 | $17,168.50 plus 24% of income over $100,525 |
| $191,951 – $243,725 | $39,110.50 plus 32% of income over $191,950 |
| $243,726 – $609,350 | $55,678.50 plus 35% of income over $243,725 |
| $609,351 or more | $183,647.25 plus 37% of income over $609,350 |
| Taxable income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| $16,550 or less | 10% |
| $16,551 – $63,100 | $1,655 plus 12% of income over $16,550 |
| $63,101 – $100,500 | $7,241 plus 22% of income over $63,100 |
| $100,501 – $191,950 | $15,469 plus 24% of income over $100,500 |
| $191,951 – $243,700 | $37,417 plus 32% of income over $191,150 |
| $243,701 – $609,350 | $53,977 plus 35% of income over $243,700 |
| $609,351 or more | $181,954.50 plus 37% of income over $609,350 |
