How to Request Your 1099-SSA Form From Social Security

What a 1099-SSA is and why you might need it

A 1099-SSA is a tax form that reports Social Security benefits you received during a calendar year. Social Security Administration sends it to you and to the IRS. You use it to file your federal income tax return if you received any Social Security income — whether retirement, survivor, or disability benefits.

You need this form because the IRS treats Social Security benefits as taxable income above certain thresholds. Even if you don't owe tax on your benefits, you may need the 1099-SSA to prove to the IRS what you received. Some people file taxes without owing anything; others use it to claim refunds.

The form shows the total benefits paid to you in the tax year and any federal income tax already withheld from those payments. If you had taxes withheld, that amount appears on the form so you can claim it when you file.

Key Takeaways

• Social Security mails 1099-SSA forms by January 31 each year for the prior tax year, and you should receive yours automatically if you got benefits.
• You can request a replacement 1099-SSA by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or creating an account on ssa.gov.
• The form shows your total benefits for the year and any federal tax withheld, which you need to file your tax return accurately.
• If you never received your 1099-SSA by early February, contact Social Security before filing your return rather than guessing the amount.

When Social Security sends 1099-SSA forms

Social Security mails 1099-SSA forms to all beneficiaries by January 31 of the year following the tax year. For example, your 2023 benefits appear on the form you receive by January 31, 2024. The form covers January 1 through December 31 of the prior year.

If you received benefits at any point during the year — even for just one month — you should receive a 1099-SSA. Social Security sends it to the address on file with them. If you moved during the year or recently, the form may go to an old address, which is why some people don't receive it on time.

How to request a replacement 1099-SSA

If you did not receive your 1099-SSA or lost it, you have three main ways to request a replacement.

By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you need a 1099-SSA for a specific tax year. They can mail one to you or, in some cases, provide the information over the phone so you can write it down. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or mid-week.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. The office staff can print a 1099-SSA on the spot or mail one to you. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Online: Create or sign into your account at ssa.gov. Go to "Benefit Verification" and select "1099 Tax Form." You can view, print, or read your 1099-SSA directly. This is the fastest option if you have internet access and a Social Security account set up.

What information appears on the form

The 1099-SSA has several boxes that report your benefit information. Box 1a shows your total Social Security benefits for the year before any tax withholding. Box 1b shows benefits paid in the current year if you received a lump-sum payment for prior years. Box 2a shows any federal income tax withheld from your benefits.

The form also includes your name, Social Security number, and the tax year it covers. Make sure all this information is correct before you file your tax return. If you spot an error — wrong name, wrong amount, or wrong year — contact Social Security to request a corrected form.

You receive a copy and Social Security sends a copy to the IRS. The IRS uses it to match against your tax return, so the amounts must match what you report.

Using your 1099-SSA to file taxes

When you file your federal income tax return, you report the amount from box 1a of your 1099-SSA. Depending on your age, filing status, and other income, some or all of your benefits may be taxable. The IRS has worksheets to calculate how much is taxable.

If you had federal tax withheld (shown in box 2a), that amount is a credit against your tax bill. If you withheld more than you owe, you get a refund. If you withheld less, you owe the difference when you file.

You do not send the 1099-SSA with your tax return. Keep it for your records. If you file electronically, the tax software will ask you to enter the amounts from the form.

What to do if your 1099-SSA has an error

If the amount on your 1099-SSA does not match what you believe you received, or if your name or Social Security number is wrong, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Have your benefit statement or recent payment stubs handy so you can compare the numbers.

Social Security will investigate and issue a corrected form if needed. A corrected 1099-SSA is marked as such and sent to you and the IRS. This process can take a few weeks, so report errors as soon as you notice them, especially if you are close to a tax filing important date.

Do not file your tax return with an amount you know is wrong. Wait for the corrected form or contact Social Security to get the right figure before you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never received a 1099-SSA in the mail?

Check your mailing address with Social Security first — the form may have gone to an old address. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your address and request a replacement. If you need it urgently, visit a local Social Security office where they can often print one the same day.

Can I file my taxes without a 1099-SSA?

You can file without it if you know your exact benefit amount, but it is risky. The IRS has a copy and will compare it to your return. If the amounts don't match, the IRS may contact you or adjust your return. It is safer to get the form first or call Social Security for the exact figure.

Do I need a 1099-SSA if I did not owe taxes on my benefits?

You still need it to file your return, even if none of your benefits are taxable. The form documents what you received so the IRS can verify your return is correct. Some tax software requires you to enter the 1099-SSA information before it will let you file.

What if I received benefits for only part of the year?

You still receive a 1099-SSA showing the total you got during that year. The form covers any month you received a payment, whether it was January or December. Report the full amount shown on the form when you file.

How long does it take to get a replacement 1099-SSA?

By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days. Online through ssa.gov, you can read it when ready. By phone, Social Security can mail it the same day or read the information to you over the phone. Visiting an office in person is usually the fastest option.