04/02/2025
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10:55
CSTTax season is around the corner, and if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you might be wondering whether you need to file a tax return. The short answer? No, SSI itself isn’t taxable, and beneficiaries aren’t required to file. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In fact, filing could put extra money in your pocket.Even though SSI payments aren’t taxed, filing a tax return can still be a smart move. Why? Because you might qualify for valuable tax credits.For example, if you have children under 17 years old, you could be eligible for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), which offers up to $2,000 per child. And if you have any earned income, you might also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)-a benefit designed for low- to moderate-income workers that could increase your refund.Skipping your tax return means you could be leaving money on the table. Even if you don’t owe taxes, filing could still result in a refund if you qualify for these credits.While SSI alone doesn’t require you to file taxes, the decision depends on your total income. If you receive other types of income-such as Social Security, a part-time job, or retirement withdrawals-you might have taxable income that requires a tax return.Here’s a quick breakdown:If your only income is SSI, you don’t need to file.If you receive Social Security benefits, whether you pay taxes depends on your total income (including other sources like a pension or 401(k)).If you have any earned income, even from a small job, you may qualify for tax credits and should consider filing.SSI recipients won’t receive a tax form detailing their payments since SSI isn’t taxable. However, if you receive both Social Security and SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send a notice in January with your total benefits for 2024. This will also be available online through your My Social Security account.If you’re unsure whether you should file, talking to a tax professional or using free tax software can help. Filing may be easier than you think, and you could end up with a refund you weren’t expecting!
