Why are my Social Security benefits not showing up on my tax return?

If your income is low enough, none of your Social Security benefits are taxable. The total amount of Social Security benefits you received will be entered on line 5a of your tax return (Form 1040) and $0 will appear on line 5b.

If part of your Social Security benefits are taxable, then your total Social Security benefits and the taxable amount will show up on the tax return. The taxability threshold is $25,000 ($32,000 if Married Filing Jointly). Basically, if one half of your Social Security benefits plus any other income you have exceeds the taxability threshold, then part of your Social Security benefits will be taxable.