The Tax Trap
The IRS uses a formula called "provisional income" to determine how much of your Social Security is taxable. Provisional income includes half of your Social Security benefits, plus all other income. That means withdrawals from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, dividends, interest, and even tax-free municipal bond income all count. If your provisional income crosses certain thresholds, up to 85% of your Social Security can be taxed at your ordinary income rate.
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