Withholding income tax from your Social Security benefits

You can ask us to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security when you apply for benefits.

If you are already receiving benefits or if you want to change or stop your withholding, you'll need a form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can download the form , or call the IRS toll-free number 1-800-829-3676 and ask for form W-4V. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the IRS toll-free TTY number, 1-800-829-4059.)

After you complete and sign the form, return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.

For more information, see IRS Publication 554, Tax Guide for Seniors, and Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits. (Both in .pdf) These publications can also be requested by calling the IRS toll-free telephone number shown above.