I am 63, taking early retirement. Planning on returning to work as a business owner, so, will my income regarding maximum allowable earnings be calculated on the gross or the net income?

Hi,

Assuming that your business income is reported as self-employment as opposed to wages from a family corporation, then your net self-employment earnings would be what counts for Social Security earnings test purposes (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html).

You may want to consider using our maximization software to explore and compare your filing options before locking yourself into a reduced benefit rate by starting benefits early.

Best, Jerry