Highly recommend the tax calculator referenced by Tom S. I am in the 12% bracket. This year because of the $12000 filing jointly additional standard deduction, only 74% our social security is being taxed instead of 85%. It took me a while to figure out the tax torpedo. Basically what it means for my situation is that if I take an additional $1000 out of my IRA it is taxed at 12%, but the taxable percentage of SS also increases. The amount that the percentage increases will depend on your individual numbers. For me it looks like the increase ends up being taxed at closer to 20%. For example, a $1000 would be taxed at 12% ($120) + $80 tax increase because all of my social security would be taxed at higher than 74%. If you can wrap your head around this, you are doing better than I am. In the past the taxable percentage on SS stepped up to 85%. Now it varies and line 6 on the 1040 give a taxable amount that has to be calculated. This is just one more complication for seniors. Play around with the tax calculators to see how you will be affected. The only good thing is that you probably owe less in taxes than you expected. from Tom S:
https://thefinancebuff.com/social-security-taxable-calculator.html
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Highly recommend the tax calculator referenced by Tom S. I am in the 12% bracket. This year because of the $12000 filing jointly additional standard deduction, only 74% our social security is being taxed instead of 85%. It took me a while to figure out the tax torpedo. Basically what it means for my situation is that if I take an additional $1000 out of my IRA it is taxed at 12%, but the taxable percentage of SS also increases. The amount that the percentage increases will depend on your individual numbers. For me it looks like the increase ends up being taxed at closer to 20%. For example, a $1000 would be taxed at 12% ($120) + $80 tax increase because all of my social security would be taxed at higher than 74%. If you can wrap your head around this, you are doing better than I am. In the past the taxable percentage on SS stepped up to 85%. Now it varies and line 6 on the 1040 give a taxable amount that has to be calculated. This is just one more complication for seniors. Play around with the tax calculators to see how you will be affected. The only good thing is that you probably owe less in taxes than you expected. from Tom S: https://thefinancebuff.com/social-security-taxable-calculator.html
Post: Calculating the Maximum Income While Staying in the 12% Tax Bracket
Link to comment from December 15, 2025