India, Feb. 15 -- With the 2026 tax season underway, some Social Security recipients who saw their benefits increase in 2025 under the Social Security Fairness Act are having to pay more taxes than in 2025. With increased Medicare premiums and less than 3% COLA increase this year, this is adding to the financial burden.

The Social Security Fairness Act, passed by President Joe Biden on January 5, 2025, fixed a rule that reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for many public workers. Millions of retirees now get fairer, higher Social Security checks. However, experts warn that most of those increased benefits will be taxable.

There is still some respite as, under the One Big Beautiful Bill, a $6000 ($12,000 for couples) deduction...