PAYING $15,300 in tax on your $18,000 annual Social Security benefit means you get only $2,700 a YEAR! – “Up to 85% is taxed for above $34,000 for single and $44,000 for joint. A $50,000 income with $1,500 a month in Social Security means paying tax on 85% of the $18,000 annual benefit, or $15,300”