How to Get Your Social Security 1099 Form

Where to request your SSA 1099

The Social Security Administration sends you a Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefit Statement) each January if you received benefits during the previous year. You do not need to request it — it arrives automatically by mail to the address on file with Social Security. If you did not receive one, or if you need a replacement copy, you can get it three ways: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail.

The fastest route is your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in, go to "Benefit Verification," and you can view and print your 1099 when ready. This works for current-year and prior-year forms. If you do not have an account, you can create one in about 10 minutes using your email, Social Security number, and identity verification.

If you prefer not to use the online account, call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative can mail you a replacement 1099 or answer questions about the one you received. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, though calling ahead is wise because some offices require appointments.

Key Takeaways

• Social Security mails your 1099 automatically each January if you received benefits in the prior year, so you should receive it without asking.
• You can view and print your 1099 when ready through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you have one set up.
• If you need a replacement or do not have online access, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will mail one to you.
• The 1099 shows your total benefits for the year and any federal income tax withheld, which you need for your tax return.

What information appears on your SSA 1099

Your SSA 1099 shows four key pieces of information. Box 1a displays your total Social Security benefits for the year before any taxes were taken out. Box 1b shows the same amount — these two boxes are identical for most people. Box 2 lists any federal income tax you asked Social Security to withhold from your checks. Box 3 shows your net benefit (the amount you actually received after withholding).

The form also includes your name, Social Security number, and the tax year it covers. If you received benefits as a spouse or survivor (not your own retirement benefit), that will be noted on the form. Keep your 1099 with your tax records — you will need the numbers from it when you file your tax return, especially if you received other income or if part of your benefits may be taxable.

When you receive your 1099 and what to do if it is late

Social Security mails 1099s in January for the prior calendar year. For example, your 2024 benefits 1099 arrives in January 2025. Most people receive theirs by mid-January, though mail delivery varies by location. If your address recently changed, your 1099 may go to an old address — update your address with Social Security as soon as possible through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you do not receive your 1099 by the end of January, do not wait until tax time to act. Log into your my Social Security account and print a copy, or call Social Security and request a replacement. Having your 1099 early means you can file your tax return sooner and avoid the rush. If you file before your 1099 arrives, you can file an amended return once you have the correct numbers, though this creates extra work.

Correcting errors on your 1099

If your 1099 shows the wrong benefit amount, wrong withholding, or wrong personal information, contact Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain the error. Social Security will investigate and send you a corrected form if a mistake is found. Keep both the original and corrected 1099 with your tax records.

Do not assume the form is wrong because the number seems high or low — benefit amounts change if you received a cost-of-living adjustment, started or stopped benefits mid-year, or had a change in your household. If you are unsure whether the amount is correct, Social Security can walk you through how it was calculated. Correcting errors now prevents problems with the IRS later.

Using your 1099 to file your tax return

Your SSA 1099 is one of the documents you need to complete your tax return. If Social Security is your only income and you are single, you may not owe federal income tax — the IRS has income thresholds below which you do not have to file. However, if you have other income (wages, self-employment, interest, dividends), you must file and report your Social Security benefits.

When you file, you will enter the benefit amount from Box 1a of your 1099 on your tax return. The IRS then calculates whether any of your benefits are taxable based on your total income. Up to 85 percent of your benefits can be taxable if your combined income is high enough. The federal tax you already had withheld (Box 2) counts toward your total tax liability, so it may reduce what you owe or increase your refund.

If you use tax software or work with a tax preparer, provide them with your 1099 along with any other income documents. They will use it to fill in the correct lines on your return. If you prepare your own return, the IRS instructions for Form 1040 explain how to report Social Security benefits step by step.

Requesting a 1099 for a deceased beneficiary

If someone you are handling the estate for received Social Security benefits and passed away during the year, Social Security will still issue a 1099 for the benefits paid through the date of death. The form goes to the last address on file unless you update it. Contact Social Security with the death certificate and ask them to send the 1099 to you or to the estate's tax preparer.

The executor or administrator of the estate will need this 1099 to file a final tax return for the deceased person. Social Security can also tell you whether any overpayment was made (benefits paid after the death date) and what steps to take to repay it. Having the 1099 early helps settle the estate's tax obligations without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my 1099 to file my taxes?

If Social Security is your only income and you are below the IRS income threshold for filing, you may not have to file at all. However, if you have any other income or if you want to claim a refund, you must file and you will need your 1099 to report your benefits correctly. The IRS uses the amount on your 1099 to determine whether your benefits are taxable.

What if I lost my 1099 or never received it?

Log into your my Social Security account and print a copy when ready — you do not have to wait for a replacement in the mail. If you do not have an online account, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a duplicate to be mailed to you. You can also file your tax return using the benefit amount from your Social Security statement or payment history if you have it handy.

Can I get my 1099 before January?

Social Security does not mail 1099s until January because the form must show your complete benefit total for the entire prior year. However, you can estimate your annual benefits by multiplying your monthly payment amount by 12, or you can log into your my Social Security account to see your year-to-date earnings. If you need the exact figure before January, call Social Security and they can tell you what your 1099 will show.

What if my 1099 shows federal tax withholding I did not request?

Contact Social Security when ready. You may have requested withholding in the past and forgotten about it, or there may be an error. Social Security can tell you when the withholding started and help you change it if you want to. You can request withholding, stop it, or change the amount at any time by calling 1-800-772-1213 or updating your my Social Security account.