Here are the thresholds when taxes are charged on Social Security benefits in 2026: $25,000 for single filers to be taxed on up to 50% of benefits and $34,000 to be taxed on up to 85% of benefits. $32,000 for married joint filers to be taxed on up to 50% of benefits and $44,000 to be taxed on up to 85% of benefits.

Social Security benefits are eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, each year. The purpose of COLAs is to help ensure that benefits are able to keep up with inflation. In 2026, Social Security benefits will rise by 2.8%. Once that raise takes effect, the average monthly retirement benefit is expected to increase from $2,015 to $2,071.

After a year of market swings and slowly creeping inflation, high-income earners will see a subtle but costly change in 2026: a higher Social Security tax bill.

Researchers found that Social Security recipients have an annual surplus of $9,108 after covering their basic expenses, falling behind many European countries

What's the best age to claim Social Security benefits? There's actually a clear answer that's the right choice for most.