A man in a dark suit and red tie holds bills while looking to the side in an office. — SSA and the US government have made it very clear to Americans | Grok

Camara — SSA and the US government have made it very clear to Americans | Grok

Urgent message from Social Security: You're forbidden to ignore this or you'll pay a high price.

SSA informs you in a timely manner to prevent sanctions in the U.S. and ensure that your social benefit remains intact

25/07/2025 17:58:00h

Miguel Cuartas Ortego

Social Security in the United States has issued a special notice, a very important alert for those who haven't completed their 2024 federal tax return yet. The message clarifies that it may affect your Social Security benefits if you don't address it in time.

Many Americans have requested an extension to file their taxes, and IRS Free File allows you to prepare and submit your return at no cost. We're talking if your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2023 was $79,000 (79,000 USD) or less. In addition, those who earn more and feel comfortable completing the forms can use the "Fillable Forms" option also at no cost until October 15.

Don't get distracted: SSA tells you what you must do with your tax return

The alert urges you to act quickly because, although the official filing date with extension was October 15, not doing so may result in penalties. Since Social Security uses the data from the federal return, this delay may create inconsistencies in the income record. This could affect the amount of your benefits or delay their delivery.

Surprised woman pointing at a large stack of hundred-dollar bills

Be careful with this process, there's a deadline | Getty Images, alphaspirit.it

First, check if you qualify for the Free File program. If your 2023 AGI was less than or equal to $79,000 (79,000 USD), you can use Free File for free. If you earn more, you can also use the interactive form.

It's very simple: SSA doesn't want complications

In both cases, you just need to go to the IRS website, authenticate yourself (for example, with your SSN or ITIN number), and follow the step-by-step instructions to fill out your 2024 1040 form.

For those who don't have an SSN or ITIN number yet, the IRS reminds you that you must have obtained it before October 15, 2025 to access certain credits. If you're not sure, you can also check your online IRS account, where you'll see your tax data, payments, and preparation options.

Social Security may delay the calculation of your benefit

If you ignore this message and don't file your return before October 15, you'll have fines and interest, which will be added to the amount that reduces your net benefit. In addition, Social Security may delay the calculation of your benefit, due to not having confirmed income.

A man with a surprised expression looks at a red circle containing hundred-dollar bills, with a background of city skyscrapers.

Pay attention to the message sent by the SSA, because it may interest you | Billion Photos, en.elcierredigital.com, Getty Images Signature

In the worst-case scenario, this creates problems in the monthly allocation, whether you're retired or waiting for another type of income (disability, EITC...).

The Social Security note emphasizes that this is a mandatory process, not optional. Preventing higher costs only requires spending a few minutes checking your tax situation. Don't wait until you receive a letter with extra charges: take action now and protect what you've already earned through hard work.

➡️ News