Are my Social Security benefits taxable?

Paul,

Your Social security may be taxable based on your income, but it is not an easy calculation because they IRS employs a complicated method/formula, and my tax program will do these complex steps to arrive at a portion that may be taxable.

If you have material other income, say your AGI >$30,000 w/o considering Social Security benefits, and you have no Schedule A deductions, it is possible that some of the benefits would be taxable.

And, if you have no material other income, say that income <$15,000, most likely you would escape paying any taxes.

I really would need more detailed information on your other income, filing status, schedule A items of expenses such as mortgage interest and taxes in order to give a definite answer.