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Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
April 4, 2022
Category:
Will I Be Able To Set Up Income Tax Withholding When I Apply?
Hi Larry,
Both my wife and I are currently receiving Social Security benefits.
My wife retired at age 66 (born March, 1954) and is receiving her full PIA, $1032.
I was born in October 1952, so I have been receiving spousal benefits based on a restricted application.
When I reach the age of 70, I will start drawing benefits ($3870) on my own record.
Neither of us are having federal income taxes withheld from our benefits at this time.
Question one: When I do my online application, will I be able to set up income tax withholding or is that a separate document?
Question two: Will my wife need to resubmit her application to include drawing spousal benefits (specifically an additional $434, the excess up to half of my PIA of $2932)?
Question three: Similarly, if she does have to resubmit, can she set up income tax withholding in that application?
Hi. Income tax withholding from Social Security benefits is voluntary, and as far as I know there are no questions included on Social Security applications that ask if a person want to have tax withheld. In order to have income tax withheld from your benefits, you must complete and sign a form W-4V. Instructions can be found on the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxwithold.html.
Yes, your wife will need to file a separate application in order to claim spousal benefits. She'll also need to file a form W-4V if she wants to request tax withholding.
Best, Jerry