Social Security Net Benefit Calculator

See what you actually take home from Social Security in 2026. Enter your monthly benefit and income to see deductions for Medicare Part B ($202.90/mo), IRMAA surcharges, and federal tax on benefits — all using current 2026 rates with the 2.8% COLA increase.

Your gross monthly Social Security payment.
Pensions, 401(k) withdrawals, wages, dividends, etc.
Municipal bond interest (included in combined income).
Modified Adjusted Gross Income from 2 years ago (2024 tax return). If blank, calculated from inputs above.
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How Social Security Net Benefits Work in 2026

Many retirees are surprised to learn that their Social Security check is not what they actually receive. The gross benefit shown on your Social Security statement is reduced by several mandatory deductions before it reaches your bank account. In 2026, Social Security benefits received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), but the standard Medicare Part B premium rose to $202.90 per month — a 9.7% increase that can offset much of the COLA gain.

Your net Social Security benefit is what remains after three key deductions: the Medicare Part B premium (automatically withheld from your check), any Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge for higher earners, and federal income tax on a portion of your benefits. Understanding these deductions helps you plan realistic retirement income.

Understanding IRMAA Surcharges for 2026

IRMAA is an extra charge on top of the standard Medicare Part B premium that applies to beneficiaries with higher incomes. The Social Security Administration uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior — so your 2024 tax return determines your 2026 IRMAA bracket. For single filers in 2026, IRMAA kicks in at $106,000 and increases through brackets at $133,500, $167,000, $200,000, and $500,000. Married couples filing jointly have thresholds roughly double those amounts.

At the highest bracket (above $500,000 single or $750,000 married), the total Part B premium including IRMAA can exceed $600 per month — a significant reduction from your gross Social Security benefit. Planning income strategically, such as managing Roth conversions or capital gains, can help you stay in a lower IRMAA bracket.

Federal Tax on Social Security Benefits

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax, depending on your "combined income." Combined income equals your adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus half of your Social Security benefits. For single filers, if combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of benefits are taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% becomes taxable. Married couples filing jointly have thresholds of $32,000 and $44,000 respectively.

The tax is calculated on a portion of your benefits, not your entire benefit amount. The actual tax depends on your marginal tax rate. This calculator estimates the federal tax impact so you can see your true after-tax Social Security income.

Tips to Maximize Your Net Social Security Income

To keep more of your Social Security, consider timing your Roth IRA conversions to avoid IRMAA bracket jumps, keeping combined income below the 85% taxation threshold, and managing taxable withdrawals from retirement accounts. Some retirees benefit from taking larger 401(k) distributions before claiming Social Security to lower future combined income. Additionally, tax-free municipal bond interest does not count toward income taxes, but it does count toward combined income for Social Security taxation — a nuance many overlook. Use this calculator alongside our Roth Conversion Calculator and Income Tax Calculator for a complete picture.