The IRS determines Social Security taxability using “combined income” your Adjusted Gross Income plus nontaxable interest plus half of your Social Security benefits. In 2026, if combined income exceeds $25,000 for a single filer or $32,000 for married filing jointly, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. Above $34,000 single or $44,000 joint, up to 85% becomes taxable the federal maximum. Large required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs in retirement can easily push retirees over these thresholds, triggering taxes on benefits they assumed would be tax-free. This is a key reason why Roth conversions in the years before claiming Social Security can be so powerful converting traditional IRA funds to Roth reduces future RMDs and taxable income, potentially keeping a larger share of your Social Security benefit out of the taxable column. Coordinating IRA strategy with Social Security is a specialty at Moore Invested.

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What Are Social Security Benefits?

Social Security benefits are monthly federal payments that replace part of your pre-retirement income—usually alongside savings and workplace accounts, not as your only retirement source.

How Is Social Security Calculated?

Your benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation, then run through a progressive formula that produces your Primary Insurance Amount at Full Retirement Age.

Social Security at 62, 67, and 70: What’s the Difference?

You can claim as early as 62, at Full Retirement Age (67 for most workers today), or as late as 70—and the age you choose permanently shapes your monthly payment.

Social Security at 62 vs. 70: Which Is Better?

Claiming at 62 brings income sooner; waiting until 70 can lock in a benefit up to 77% higher—with break-even often around age 80 to 82.

When Should I Take Social Security?

The best claiming age depends on your health, work status, other income, spousal benefits, and taxes—not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Benefits of Delaying Social Security

Each month you delay past Full Retirement Age up to 70 adds about two-thirds of one percent to your benefit—roughly 8% per year for life.

What Is the Social Security Earnings Limit?

If you claim before Full Retirement Age and keep working, the earnings test can temporarily reduce benefits until you reach FRA.

Will Social Security Run Out in 20 Years?

Trust fund depletion would not end Social Security—ongoing payroll taxes would still fund most benefits, but planning should not rely on benefits alone.

How Do I Find Out My Social Security Benefit Amount?

Create a free my Social Security account at SSA.gov to view earnings history and personalized estimates at ages 62, Full Retirement Age, and 70.

What Is a Social Security Strategy?

A Social Security strategy is a deliberate plan for when and how to claim so you maximize lifetime income—not just filing at the earliest eligible age.

How Does Retiring Early Affect Social Security?

Stopping work before 62 can lower your benefit by adding zero-earnings years and skipping high-earning years that could replace lower ones in your 35-year average.

Social Security and IRA Withdrawals

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