The 2021 Edition of Social Security Explained provides a succinct, comprehensive, and detailed explanation of the federal old-age, survivor's, and disability insurance programs under the Social Security Act. Social Security Explained, 2021 Edition covers: Who is covered by the Social Security system Liability for Social Security tax How a worker acquires "insured status" required for benefit eligibility Conditions of entitlement by a worker, self-employed person, and spousal and child beneficiaries to the various kinds of Social Security benefits Taxation of benefits Strategies for increasing benefits and managing attendant tax consequences In addition to thorough analysis of the applicable laws, regulations, and administrative rulings, Social Security Explained, 2021 Edition includes: The latest earnings base for the Social Security tax and Medicare portion of the tax, as well as the annual earnings or retirement test amount The formula for the calculation of the maximum total amounts a family can receive in 2021 and prior years And much more! Previous Edition: Social Security Explained, 2020 Edition, ISBN: 9781543819526.