Do you have to file taxes if you are on disability?

Asked by: Prof. Francesco Schinner  |  Last update: February 18, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (46 votes)

Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

How much can I make on disability and not file taxes?

None of your SSDI is taxable if half of your SSDI plus all your other income is less than: $25,000 if filing single, head of household, or married filing separately (if you and your spouse lived apart at all times during the year) $32,000 if married filing jointly.

Can I get a tax refund if I am on Social Security disability?

Yes, receiving SSI doesn't prevent you from getting a tax refund, though you're not likely to get a refund unless you qualify for one of the credits discussed above. Read more about tax refunds for disability recipients.

Should I file taxes if I'm disabled?

If you have Social Security Disability payments, they would be reported on a federal tax return, however, if Social Security is the only income that you would be reporting, a federal tax return does not have to be filed. However, if you do have any other income to report, then enter the benefits reported on SSA-1099.

Can the IRS collect if you are on disability?

If you receive benefits through the SSI (Supplementary Security Income) program your benefits can't be garnished for back taxes, federal loans, alimony or child support. The bad news is, if you are disabled and owe back taxes, the IRS can garnish 15% of your monthly SSDI payments to pay back the debt owed to them.

Do You Have To File Taxes If You Get Disability? - CountyOffice.org

17 related questions found

Do you have to report disability income to IRS?

As taxable income, these payments must be reported on your federal tax return, but they are exempt from California state income tax. Total taxable benefits include: Unemployment. Disability (as a substitute for unemployment benefits)

Do you get a tax break for disability?

If you get disability payments, your payments may qualify as earned income when you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Disability payments qualify as earned income depending on: The type of disability payments you get: Disability retirement benefits.

Do I have to file taxes if I receive social security and VA disability?

If you receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, those benefits are not taxable. However, if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, those benefits may be taxable if you receive income from other sources and if that income places you above a particular income threshold.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security disability?

The so-called “five-year rule” for Social Security disability allows people who have already received disability benefits to skip a required waiting period in the re-application process after they've returned to work.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

Do you have to file taxes on Social Security disability back pay?

Most of the time, Social Security Disability back payments are not taxable, but it depends on how much money you make per year and how big your lump sum payment is.

How to get $7000 tax refund?

Who can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
  1. Have investment income of less than $11,600 in tax year 2024.
  2. Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2024 return.
  3. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire year.
  4. Not file Form 2555 (foreign earned income)

Can I get a tax refund if my only income is Social Security disability?

If your only income is social security disability benefits, it's unlikely that you will owe the IRS anything at the end of the year or need to file a return. Clearly, if you don't file, you also won't earn a refund check. But, this is only if your sole income is the benefits.

Does the IRS have a disability tax credit?

A credit for taxpayers: aged 65 or older OR retired on permanent and total disability and received taxable disability income for the tax year; AND. with an adjusted gross income OR the total of nontaxable Social Security, pensions annuities or disability income under specific limits.

Does disability count as earned income?

Disability insurance benefits for which you pay the premiums, or that you receive post-retirement, are not considered earned income and cannot be used to qualify for an EITC.

At what age does Social Security disability end?

Your period of disability ends on the last day of the month before the month in which you become 65 years old or, if earlier, the last day of the second month following the month in which your disability ended. (1) The month before the month in which you attain full retirement age as defined in § 404.409.

What gives 100% disability?

What Is a 100% Disability Rating? A 100 percent disability rating, or total disability rating, is the highest rating VA can assign for service-connected compensation purposes. VA reserves this rating for veterans with extremely debilitating service-connected conditions.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Do I need to file taxes if my only income is Social Security?

Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

Do you get a 1099 for disability income?

You will only get a Form 1099-G if all or part of your SDI benefits are taxable. If your SDI benefits are taxable and you don't receive your Form 1099-G by mid-February, you may call EDD at (800) 795-0193 to get another copy. For more information, see IRS Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income.

What states have no property tax for disabled Veterans?

Michigan veterans with 100% disability status are eligible to receive full disabled veteran property tax exemption.
  • Minnesota. ...
  • Mississippi. ...
  • Missouri. ...
  • Montana. ...
  • Nebraska. ...
  • Nevada. ...
  • New Hampshire. ...
  • New Jersey.

Are disabled people exempt from federal taxes?

The federal tax code includes a number of provisions that can ease the tax burden on people living with a disability. Some disability payments and benefits are free of income tax, while deductions and credits can reduce the taxes you do owe. These tax breaks aren't always obvious, though.

How much can I earn while on social security disability in 2024?

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SGA amount for persons with disabilities other than blindness is $1,550 per month in 2024. For persons who are blind, the amount of earnings that indicate SGA is $2,590 per month in 2024. Further information is available in the section How We Decide If You Are Disabled.

How do I get taxes off my disability check?

Download Form W-4 V: Voluntary Withholding Request from the IRS' website. Then, find the Social Security office closest to your home and fax or mail us the completed form.