Don’t forget SS benefit statement for tax returns

Tax season is here. The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S, is a tax form mailed each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to the IRS on your tax return.

If you need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, go online and get an instant, printable replacement form using your personal my Social Security account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. A replacement SSA1099 or SSA-1042S is available for the previous tax year after Feb. 1.

If you already have a my Social Security account, you can log in to your account to view and print your SSA1099 or SSA-1042S. If you don’t have a my Social Security account, creating one is very easy to do and usually takes less than 10 minutes.

With a personal my Social Security account, you can do much of your business with Social Security online. If you receive benefits or have Medicare, your personal my Social Security account is also the best way to:

Request a replacement ■ Social Security number card (in most states and the District of Columbia).

Get your benefit verification ■ letter.

Check your benefit and ■ payment information.

Change your address ■ and phone number.

Change your direct ■ deposit information.

Request a replacement ■ Medicare card.

Report your wages if ■ you work and receive Social Security disability insurance or SSI benefits.