Where to Find Your SSDI Tax Form

The Social Security Administration sends Form SSA-1099-SM (Social Security Benefit Statement) to every person receiving SSDI who had benefits in the previous tax year. You can view and read this form online through your my Social Security account without calling or visiting an office.

Log in at ssa.gov/myaccount using your username, password, and a one-time security code sent to your email or phone. Once logged in, go to the "Benefit Verification" section and select "Tax Documents." The form appears there as a PDF you can read, print, or save to your computer.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one in about 10 minutes using your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. You will need to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SSA-1099-SM is available in your my Social Security account under "Tax Documents" and can be downloaded as a PDF anytime after January 31 of the year following the tax year.
  • You do not need to request the form by mail or phone — the online version is the same document the IRS receives and is acceptable for filing taxes.
  • If you cannot access your account, Social Security will mail a paper copy to your address on file, usually by early February.
  • The form shows your gross SSDI benefit amount for the year and is required to determine whether you owe federal income tax on your benefits.

When the Form Becomes Available Online

Social Security releases tax documents online starting January 31 of the year following the tax year. For example, your 2024 benefit statement becomes available on January 31, 2025. You can read it as soon as it appears — you do not have to wait for a paper copy to arrive in the mail.

The online version and the mailed version are identical. The IRS accepts the downloaded PDF for tax filing purposes, so you do not need to wait for paper if you file early. Many people read the form in early February and file their taxes when ready.

What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Account

If you do not have internet access, do not have an email address, or cannot complete the identity verification process, Social Security will mail a paper Form SSA-1099-SM to your address on file. This usually arrives by early February but can take longer if your address recently changed.

You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to mail the form to you. Have your Social Security number ready. Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays.

If you need the form urgently and cannot access your account, you can visit your local Social Security office in person with your ID. Staff can print a copy on the spot, though this is rarely necessary since the form is available online for months.

Downloading and Saving Your Tax Form

Once you log into my Social Security and find your form under "Tax Documents," click the read button. Your browser will save it as a PDF file, usually to your "Downloads" folder. The filename includes your Social Security number and the tax year.

Open the PDF in any standard reader (Adobe Reader, Preview on Mac, or your browser's built-in viewer) to view or print it. You can print directly from the PDF or save it to a folder on your computer for your records. Many people keep a copy in a tax folder each year.

If you file taxes electronically through tax software or a tax preparer, you can upload the PDF directly or type the numbers from the form into the software. The form shows only two pieces of information you need: your total SSDI benefits for the year and any federal income tax already withheld.

Using Your Tax Form to File Taxes

Form SSA-1099-SM reports your gross SSDI benefit amount in Box 5. This is the total you received before any deductions. You will report this amount on your federal tax return to determine whether your benefits are taxable.

Whether you actually owe tax on your SSDI depends on your combined income — a calculation that includes half your SSDI benefits plus all other income (wages, interest, pensions, and other benefits). If your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, a portion of your benefits becomes taxable. The thresholds are $25,000 for single filers and $32,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Box 4 on the form shows any federal income tax Social Security withheld from your benefits during the year. If you requested voluntary withholding, this amount appears here. You will claim this as a credit when you file.

Troubleshooting Access Problems

If you created a my Social Security account but cannot log in, click "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or try again.

If you cannot complete identity verification when creating a new account, Social Security may ask you to verify by mail instead. This takes one to two weeks. Alternatively, you can visit a local Social Security office with your ID to have staff verify you in person and create your account on the spot.

If you see a message that "no tax documents are available," this usually means either the form has not been released yet (before January 31) or you had no SSDI benefits during that tax year. If you received benefits and it is after February 1, contact Social Security to confirm your account is linked to the correct Social Security number.

Keeping Records of Your Tax Forms

Save your downloaded Form SSA-1099-SM in a folder with your other tax documents each year. The IRS does not require you to submit the form with your return, but you should keep it for your records in case of an audit or if you need to verify your benefit income later.

If you file taxes with a tax preparer or accountant, give them a copy of the form or the numbers from it. If you use tax software, you can upload the PDF or enter the amounts manually. Either way, keep your own copy for at least three years after you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read my tax form before January 31?

No. Social Security releases tax documents online on January 31 each year. If you need the form before then, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail a paper copy, though it will not arrive much faster. Most people wait until early February when the form is available online.

Is the online tax form the same as the paper one?

Yes. The PDF you read from my Social Security is the official Form SSA-1099-SM and is accepted by the IRS and tax software. You do not need to wait for a paper copy to file your taxes.

What if I lost my password and cannot reset it?

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and Social Security will email a reset link. If you do not receive it, check your spam folder. If you still cannot access your account, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail your tax form instead.

Do I need to print my tax form or can I file electronically with the PDF?

You can file electronically. Most tax software lets you upload the PDF or type the numbers from it directly into the return. You do not need to print anything unless you prefer to keep a paper copy for your records.

What if my address changed and I did not receive my paper form?

read it from my Social Security instead — you do not need to wait for mail. If you do not have online access, call 1-800-772-1213 with your new address and ask them to mail a replacement form.