You spend decades paying into Social Security, planning for retirement, maybe even hiring a financial advisor. Then one day, you file your taxes and discover you owe hundreds more than expected.

The Social Security benefits formula is what the government uses to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA). That's the ...

Nearly 50% of retirees already pay federal income tax on Social Security benefits. That share is rising in 2026. The Social Security tax thresholds remain frozen at $25,000 and $32,000 since 1984.

The Social Security payroll tax includes a 6.2% tax paid by both employees and employers. Workers will pay Social Security payroll taxes on up to $184,500 in earnings in 2026. Individuals who have ...

If you're pulling in a high salary this year, your paycheck might look a little different than you expected. The government ...

By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature ...

The 2026 payroll tax cap of $184,500 limits revenue because high earners contribute the same total as upper-middle-class professionals. Congress can adjust benefit formulas for future beneficiaries ...

Elizabeth Guevara is a personal finance reporter who explains the world of business and economics and how it impacts your finances. She joined Investopedia in 2024. Investopedia / Photo Illustration ...

Most states don’t tax Social Security, but rules vary in the 8 that do. Get up-to-date exemptions, thresholds and new ...