For many Americans, the idea of withholding their own taxes from Social Security benefits can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the IRS provides a simple solution.

Taxpayers can elect to have federal income tax withheld from their Social Security benefits and/or the SSEB portion of Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits. Use Form W–4V.  They can choose one of the following withholding rates: 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% of the total benefit payment (flat dollar amounts aren’t permitted).