QUESTION: I’m gathering everything I’ll need to file my taxes this month. Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits?

ANSWER: Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. Still, no one pays taxes on more than 85 percent of their Social Security benefits.

People must pay taxes on some portion of their benefits if they file an individual federal tax return and their combined income exceeds $25,000.

If someone files a joint return, they must pay taxes if their combined income is more than $32,000.

If an individual is married and files a separate return, they probably will have to pay taxes on their benefits.

Individuals can read more about tax preparation in relation to Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.htm.

Social Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor and disability benefits.

They don’t include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are not taxable.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.