IRS Publication 915 – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – As millions of Americans rely on Social Security and equivalent railroad retirement benefits for financial stability in retirement, understanding the tax implications is crucial. IRS Publication 915 serves as the definitive resource for navigating these rules, helping you determine if your benefits are taxable, how much you might owe, and how to report them accurately on your tax return. Updated for the 2025 tax year, this publication—jointly prepared by the IRS, Social Security Administration (SSA), and U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)—ensures you’re compliant while potentially minimizing your tax burden. Whether you’re a retiree, survivor, or disability beneficiary, this SEO-optimized guide breaks down the essentials of IRS Publication 915, using trusted sources to keep you informed.
What Is IRS Publication 915 and Why Does It Matter?
IRS Publication 915, titled “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” explains the federal income tax treatment of these benefits. It covers Social Security benefits like retirement, survivor, and disability payments (excluding nontaxable Supplemental Security Income or SSI) and the Social Security Equivalent Benefit (SSEB) portion of Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits.
This guide is essential because up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable, depending on your total income and filing status. For the 2025 tax year, the publication was released on November 18, 2025, and applies to benefits received during that year. Ignoring these rules could lead to unexpected tax bills or missed opportunities for deductions. If you’re filing taxes in 2026 for 2025 income, this is your go-to document.
Key topics include:
- Determining taxable benefits.
- Reporting on Forms 1040 or 1040-SR.
- Handling lump-sum payments.
- Deductions for repayments.
- Special considerations for nonresident aliens and U.S. citizens abroad.
Who Should Use IRS Publication 915?
This publication is designed for anyone who received Social Security or SSEB Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits in 2025. You’ll receive forms like SSA-1099 (for U.S. citizens/residents), SSA-1042S (nonresidents), RRB-1099, or RRB-1042S showing your payments and any repayments.
It’s particularly relevant if:
- Your combined income exceeds certain thresholds (more on this below).
- You received benefits for children or dependents—the tax applies to the person with the legal right to the benefits.
- You’re a nonresident alien, where 85% of benefits may be taxed at 30% unless a treaty applies (e.g., exemptions for residents of Canada, Germany, or the UK).
- You repaid overpaid benefits or received a lump-sum payment.
Note: It doesn’t cover foreign social security benefits (treated as annuities unless exempt) or other railroad tiers like Tier 2 (see Publication 575 for those).
Are Your Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits Taxable?
Not all benefits are taxable—many recipients pay nothing. To check, calculate your “provisional income” (also called combined income): Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) + nontaxable interest + half of your Social Security benefits.
Compare this to your base amount based on filing status:
| Filing Status | Base Amount (Up to 50% Taxable) | Adjusted Base (Up to 85% Taxable) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Head of Household, Qualifying Surviving Spouse, or Married Filing Separately (lived apart all year) | $25,000 | $34,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,000 | $44,000 |
| Married Filing Separately (lived with spouse) | $0 | N/A (up to 85% taxable) |
- If provisional income is below the base, benefits are nontaxable.
- Between base and adjusted base: Up to 50% taxable.
- Above adjusted base: Up to 85% taxable.
For example, a single filer with $20,000 in benefits and $10,000 in pension income has provisional income of $20,000 (AGI) + $10,000 (half benefits) = $30,000. Since it’s over $25,000 but under $34,000, up to 50% ($10,000 max) could be taxable.
Use Worksheet A in Publication 915 for a quick check.
How to Calculate Taxable Social Security Benefits: Step-by-Step?
Calculating the taxable portion requires Worksheet 1 from Publication 915. Here’s a simplified process:
- Gather Data: From Form SSA-1099/RRB-1099, note Box 5 (net benefits).
- Calculate Provisional Income: AGI (from wages, pensions, etc.) + tax-exempt interest + 50% of Box 5.
- Apply Thresholds: Subtract the base amount from provisional income.
- Figure Taxable Amount:
- For the 50% tier: Multiply excess over base by 50%.
- For the 85% tier: Add 85% of excess over adjusted base.
- Cap at 85% of total benefits.
Detailed steps are in Worksheet 1, which includes lines for exclusions like adoption benefits or foreign income. Tools like the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help.
Example: Joint filers with $40,000 AGI, $2,000 tax-exempt interest, and $20,000 benefits. Provisional income: $40,000 + $2,000 + $10,000 = $52,000. Excess over $32,000 = $20,000 (50% = $10,000). Excess over $44,000 = $8,000 (85% = $6,800). Total taxable: $16,800 (84% of benefits).
Reporting Taxable Benefits on Your 2025 Tax Return
Report net benefits (Box 5) on Form 1040/1040-SR, Line 6a. Enter the taxable amount on Line 6b. If nontaxable, put -0- on 6b. For lump-sum elections, check Line 6c. If married filing separately and lived apart, check Line 6d.
Withholding is optional via Form W-4V. Nonresidents use Form 1040-NR. File if your total income exceeds thresholds in Publication 501.
Handling Lump-Sum Payments and Special Situations
Lump-sum payments for prior years (post-1983) are taxable in the year received, but you can elect to spread them using Worksheets 2-4 for potentially lower taxes. Pre-1984 portions are nontaxable. Check Line 6c for the election—no prior return amendments needed.
For repayments: Subtract from gross benefits. If repayments exceed benefits, none are taxable, and you may claim a deduction or credit if over $3,000 (via IRC 1341).
Railroad benefits follow similar rules, with SSEB treated like Social Security.
Deductions Related to Your Benefits
You can deduct repaid benefits included in prior income. Medicare premiums deducted from benefits aren’t directly deductible here but may qualify elsewhere. No specific credits for these benefits, but they impact others like the Earned Income Credit.
Tax Planning Tips for Social Security Benefits
- Manage withdrawals from IRAs/401(k)s to stay under thresholds.
- Consider Roth conversions for tax-free income.
- Bunch deductions or use QCDs from IRAs.
- States may tax benefits differently—check your state’s rules.
The 2025 Tax Act didn’t eliminate federal taxes on benefits, contrary to myths, but introduced senior deductions.
Conclusion: Get Help and Stay Updated
IRS Publication 915 empowers you to handle Social Security and railroad retirement benefit taxes confidently. For personalized advice, consult a tax professional or use IRS resources like Publication 915 (downloadable PDF) or the IRS website. Remember, accurate reporting avoids penalties and maximizes your retirement income. If your situation involves complex elements like international treaties, refer to Publication 519. Stay informed—tax rules evolve, and planning ahead saves money.