A Couple Questions About Us Soc.security Qualifying

[maidu]

I'm an American and need some advice re; qualifying for social security. I'd rather mention detail in a one on one conversation. It has to do with being self-employed and is all 'above board.'

[thaigold]

You might be advised to seek consul from a US certified CPA or tax attorney. My understanding is that you deal with the IRS on these issues, unless you live and work in a country that has a reciprocal tax treaty agreement with the US. Again, seek qualified advice.

Good luck ...

[dlgarno]

I think you should get your information from the horses mouth. Go to ssa.gov on line.

[ksamuiguy]

Over 62, paid into SS for at least 40 quarters (10) years, You qualify.

Get a U.S bank account and have your payment paid in the U.S. bank. They will pay into Bangkok bank Special SS account, small charge per deposit, but a bitch and big hassel to get the money out, most branches don't know the procedure which agian is a bitch.

[CrazyKid]

I was self employed some years ago and had to make the ss payments my self. If you are working for a USA employer as an employee (not contract) then they pay part of the ss and you pay part. As long as ss has a record of your payments you are all set.

I just applied online for my retirement at age 62. It was easy and they called me last week to say I was all set, first chesk May 8th. Great service and VERY knowledgeable. Give them a call

[CaptHaddock]

You might try the message board at fairmark.com, which is the goto site for accounting questions, in my opinion. I think they will do a good job on SS.

[wayned]

If you are self employeed, you should have/be paying social security tax each month based on a percentage of your salary, up to a certain amount. If you have not been paying the tax you do not qualify.

[maidu]

Thanks for all replies. Tried the main ss website but was not able to get an account. Tried calling their 800# but it's automated, and it's doubtful whether a caller can get a real person - perhaps after waiting 20 to 40 minutes. I'm heading to US in March, so will go in a ss office to see what's up.

[lanny]

If you are self-employed, you should be reporting your income and expenses (for business) on Schedule C of your US tax return. Based on that, you should also be calculating and paying the self-employment social security tax on Schedule SE. As a self-employed taxpayer, you pay both halves of this tax - a total of 15.3% of net self-employment income. These payments are credited to your account, just as those made on your behalf is you work for a US company. You would qualify for benefits at 62 or your normal retirement age whether you are an employee or self-employed.

Your normal retirement age depends upon the year you were born. For those born after 1937, this age gradually increases until it reaches 67.

[maidu]

If you are self-employed, you should be reporting your income and expenses (for business) on Schedule C of your US tax return. Based on that, you should also be calculating and paying the self-employment social security tax on Schedule SE. As a self-employed taxpayer, you pay both halves of this tax - a total of 15.3% of net self-employment income. These payments are credited to your account, just as those made on your behalf is you work for a US company. You would qualify for benefits at 62 or your normal retirement age whether you are an employee or self-employed.

Your normal retirement age depends upon the year you were born. For those born after 1937, this age gradually increases until it reaches 67.

I'm prepared to file 1040se. Do I also need to submit a schedule C form? Is it possible to pay back-taxes for prior year(s) missed?

[el jefe]

If you are self-employed, you should be reporting your income and expenses (for business) on Schedule C of your US tax return. Based on that, you should also be calculating and paying the self-employment social security tax on Schedule SE. As a self-employed taxpayer, you pay both halves of this tax - a total of 15.3% of net self-employment income. These payments are credited to your account, just as those made on your behalf is you work for a US company. You would qualify for benefits at 62 or your normal retirement age whether you are an employee or self-employed.

Your normal retirement age depends upon the year you were born. For those born after 1937, this age gradually increases until it reaches 67.

I'm prepared to file 1040se. Do I also need to submit a schedule C form? Is it possible to pay back-taxes for prior year(s) missed?

The info for Sched SE comes from your Sched C.

You can file back-taxes for the prior 3 years. You will also owe penalties and interest which can be substantial.