With tax season approaching, some of you have asked if the social security payments you receive are taxed. The answer is yes, if your annual income is above a certain amount when you’re receiving those payments. And because that income threshold is relatively low, it’s likely that some of your benefits will be taxed. The percentage of tax is calculated off of your combined income if married and filing jointly, or as a single filer. The question then becomes: What is combined income? Combined income includes your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and one-half of your annual Social Security benefits. We always suggest you speak with your accountant to determine how much you should withhold over the year so that you aren’t caught off guard with a large tax bill. It is important to note that the tax rates and criteria defining “combined income” can change from year to year. As with every decision that affects your retirement income, you will want to learn all your options. We’re here to help you do that. In addition, we offer products that provide an income stream you can’t outlive. We look forward to hearing from you.