With recent changes in tax law, beneficiaries are urged to pay close attention to these documents, which could influence their tax returns. Understanding the importance of these forms, how they relate to new legislation, and how to access them online is key for beneficiaries to ensure a smooth tax season in 2026.
The Importance of SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S Forms for Tax Filing
For most Social Security recipients, the SSA-1099 form is a familiar document. This form reports the total amount of Social Security benefits received during the year. According to the SSA, beneficiaries must report this information when filing their federal tax returns, particularly if their income exceeds certain thresholds. The SSA-1042S serves the same purpose for non-U.S. citizens who receive Social Security benefits.
Both of these forms will be mailed beginning December 26 and should arrive by the end of January. However, beneficiaries can also access and download these documents online through their personal my Social Security accounts starting December 25, giving them early access.
These forms are especially important this year due to recent tax law changes. Among the most notable is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, which introduced a temporary $6,000 deduction for qualifying seniors. This change is designed to help retirees reduce the tax burden on their Social Security benefits. The new legislation, which also includes a higher standard deduction for older taxpayers, could impact how much tax is owed or refunded when these beneficiaries file their 2025 tax returns.
Legislative Changes Impacting Social Security Taxation
In addition to the temporary senior deduction, another key piece of legislation, the Social Security Fairness Act, has also made significant changes. Signed into law in January 2025, this act eliminated provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for approximately 2.8 million beneficiaries with public-sector pensions, including teachers, firefighters, and other public employees.
The effects of these changes may be twofold. For some individuals, this could mean an increase in Social Security benefits, including retroactive payments that go back to January 2024. For others, it may result in a higher tax liability if the increased benefits push their total income above taxable thresholds.
These changes are especially important because they could affect how Social Security income is taxed. For example, a retiree who receives lump-sum payments could find themselves in a higher tax bracket, making more of their Social Security benefits taxable. Conversely, the $6,000 deduction could reduce the taxable portion of benefits, particularly for middle- and lower-middle-income retirees.
Ensuring Accurate Tax Filing: What Beneficiaries Should Do
To avoid delays or errors when filing taxes, the SSA urges beneficiaries to verify that their mailing address is up to date. Additionally, registering for online access via my Social Security allows users to download the necessary forms early, ensuring a smoother tax filing process.
By being proactive about these upcoming changes and taking steps to stay informed, beneficiaries can avoid surprises when tax season arrives in 2026. As new legislation continues to shape how Social Security benefits are taxed, it’s crucial that recipients understand the impact these forms will have on their financial situation.
