How Social Security Gets Taxed -- And the Legal Ways to Avoid It

By Matt Frankel, CFP – Mar 13, 2026 at 6:11AM ESTAs much as 85% of your Social Security income can be considered taxable income. In this video, Certified Financial Planner® Matt Frankel discusses why you're more likely than ever to face Social Security benefit taxes, and what you can do about it. Read NextMar 13, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerWhere Retirees Are Moving for Healthcare, Comfort, and Cost (All in One Place)Mar 13, 2026 •By Kailey Hagen, CFPThe 2026 Social Security COLA Is 2.8% -- Here's What Retirees Actually Take Home After MedicareMar 13, 2026 •By Bram BerkowitzThe New $6,000 Senior Tax Deduction: How It Could Offset Your Social Security Tax BillMar 13, 2026 •By Stefon WaltersWant the Maximum Social Security Benefit?

This Important Change Is Worth Paying Attention ToMar 13, 2026 •By Maurie BackmanClaiming Social Security? 1 Key Question to Ask Yourself First.Mar 12, 2026 •By Maurie BackmanStill Working at 65? Here's Why You May Want to Delay Your Medicare Enrollment.About the AuthorMatt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.TMFMattFrankelX@MattFrankelCFP