15 States That Don't Tax Retirement Income, Pensions, Social Security (2024)

Retirement Tax Calculator By State

Calculate how much taxes, by state, you’ll have to pay in retirement.

What States Do Not Tax Social Security Income

When it comes to retirement income, the tax implications can greatly affect a retiree’s financial planning. One significant aspect to consider is the taxation of Social Security benefits. While some states tax Social Security income, others offer exemptions and exclusions that provide much-needed relief for retirees. In fact, a total of 41 states, along with the District of Columbia, do not tax Social Security income. This means that retirees living in these states can enjoy their Social Security benefits without worrying about state taxes eating into their income.

The following are states that don’t tax Social Security benefits

  • Alabama.
  • Alaska.
  • Arizona.
  • Arkansas.
  • California.
  • Delaware.
  • Florida.
  • Georgia.
  • Hawaii.
  • Idaho.
  • Illinois.
  • Indiana.
  • Iowa.
  • Kentucky.
  • Louisiana.
  • Maine.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Michigan.
  • Mississippi.
  • Missouri.
  • Nebraska.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.
  • New Jersey.
  • New York.
  • North Carolina.
  • North Dakota.
  • Ohio.
  • Oklahoma.
  • Oregon.
  • Pennsylvania.
  • South Carolina.
  • South Dakota.
  • Tennessee.
  • Texas.
  • Virginia.
  • Washington.
  • Washington, D.C.
  • West Virginia.
  • Wisconsin.
  • Wyoming.

However, it’s worth noting that there are 9 states that do tax Social Security benefits:

  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Kansas
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Vermont

What States Don’t Tax Pension Income

The following states do not tax pensions:

States That Won’t Tax Your TSP Income

The following states are exempt from income taxes on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Income:

  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • Wyoming
  • Illinois
  • Mississippi
  • Pennsylvania

Free Tool: Estimate Your Withdrawals With Our TSP Retirement Calculator

States With No Income Taxes

The following are tax-free states.

  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire (earned wages only)
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

States That Won’t Tax Your Retirement Income

The following states are exempt from income taxes on retirement plans like 401k, IRA, annuity, and pensions:

  • Illinois
  • Mississippi
  • Pennsylvania
  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

Related Tools:

  • 401K Monthly Payout Calculator
  • IRA Monthly Payout Calculator

States That Won’t Tax Your Pension But Tax 401ks and IRAs

The following states are exempt from income taxes on pension income but will be taxed on 401k and IRA income:

  • Alabama
  • Hawaii

Keep up with inflation, avoid running out of money, and maintain control over your pension, 401k, or IRA funds by reading our guide to guaranteeing income for your retirement.

Retirement Distributions Comparison

Now that you know where to maximize your retirement income, the next question is how to maximize distributions from retirement accounts. The table below compares withdrawals from various retirement plans (excluding Social Security Benefits).

FeaturesAnnuity401kIRARoth IRA
Withdrawal Percentage5.20% – 6.55%4%4%4%
Can Income Increase?YesYesYesYes
Can Income Decrease?NoYesYesYes
How Long Will Money Last?Lifetime30 Years+30 Years+30 Years+
Annual Fees0 – 1.50%1% – 4%1% – 4%1% – 4%
TaxationTaxable/Tax-FreeTaxableTaxableTax-Free
Death BenefitAccount BalanceAccount BalanceAccount BalanceAccount Balance

Example: A 60-year-old retiree starts withdrawing immediately from their $1 million portfolio, they would receive:

  • Annuity: Between $52,000 and $61,000
  • 401k: $40,000
  • IRA: $40,000
  • Roth IRA: $40,000

Use our free annuity calculator to determine how much income you can generate from your IRA and 401k plans. Then request a quote.

Related Reading: Best Annuity Companies

States That Won’t Tax Your Estate or Inheritance

Even though there’s an estate tax on a federal level, the following states are exempt from “death taxes” such as estate taxes or inheritance taxes:

Helpful tip: Life insurance might be better if you want to leave money to your beneficiaries. In some cases, you don’t need to take a medical exam. Instead, compare instant life insurance quotes to determine if affordable coverage is available. Coverage starts at $9.37 per month. Proceeds are tax-free.

If you have a qualified retirement plan to leave to beneficiaries, read this guide on reducing the tax burden for your heirs.

States That Don’t Have Sales Tax

The following states are exempt from state sales taxes:

  • Alaska
  • Delaware
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • Oregon

States That Don’t Tax Military Retirement Income

States that don’t tax military retirement pay include:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Next steps

If you’re nearing retirement or are already retired, it’s essential to understand the tax laws in your state. Depending on where you live, you may be able to minimize the amount of taxes you pay on your retirement income. Request a quote from our team of experts, and we can help you find the best way to reduce your taxable income in retirement. Thanks for reading!

Learn How To Retire Comfortably In Each State

If you have any questions regarding how to spend your retirement funds wisely and retire comfortably, please do not hesitate to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states don’t tax my 401K, social security benefits, and military retirement pay?

You have to pay federal taxes in every state. However, some states don’t have state income taxes. These states are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Another state that doesn’t have income taxes in New Hampshire.

Do you pay taxes on Social Security?

Some individuals who receive Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their payments. However, no one pays taxes on more than 85 percent of their Social Security benefits. If you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” is more significant than $25,000, you must pay taxes on your benefits.

What state has no income tax?

Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not have a state income tax.

What are the best states for taxes?

The best states for taxes depend on individual circ*mstances, but some tax-friendly states are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in this guide may be affiliate links. I may receive a commission at no cost to you if you purchase a policy. It helps us keep the lights on!

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15 States That Don't Tax Retirement Income, Pensions, Social Security (2024)

FAQs

15 States That Don't Tax Retirement Income, Pensions, Social Security? ›

Social Security tax FAQs

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

Which states don't tax pensions or Social Security? ›

Many states exempt or provide a credit for a portion of pension income — they include:
  • Alabama.
  • Arkansas.
  • Colorado.
  • Delaware.
  • Georgia.
  • Hawaii.
  • Iowa.
  • Kentucky.

What is the best state to retire to avoid taxes? ›

The 10 best states for a tax-friendly retirement
  • In a nutshell. There are a number of issues involved in deciding the best place to spend your retirement years. ...
  • Wyoming. Wyoming is considered to be very tax-friendly towards retirees. ...
  • Nevada. ...
  • Florida. ...
  • Alaska. ...
  • South Dakota. ...
  • Georgia. ...
  • Mississippi.
6 days ago

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›

Social Security tax FAQs

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

What state is best financially to retire in? ›

A: The best state to retire in 2024 is sunny Florida, according to WalletHub, thanks to its relative affordability and high quality of life for seniors. That's followed by Colorado, Virginia, and Delaware.

What state is best for seniors on Social Security? ›

Some states do not tax Social Security or income, which could appeal to retirees. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming stand out for their tax-friendly policies and other amenities that retirees may enjoy.

How much will my Social Security be reduced if I have a pension? ›

Windfall elimination provision

The WEP may apply if you receive both a pension and Social Security benefits. In that case, the WEP can reduce your Social Security payments by up to 50% of your pension amount.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

How much money can a 70 year old make without paying taxes? ›

For retirees 65 and older, here's when you can stop filing taxes: Single retirees who earn less than $14,250. Married retirees filing jointly, who earn less than $26,450 if one spouse is 65 or older or who earn less than $27,800 if both spouses are age 65 or older. Married retirees filing separately who earn less than ...

At what age do you stop paying taxes on your pension? ›

Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes.

Where can I retire on $2000 a month in the United states? ›

10 Places to Retire for $2,000 Per Month or Less
  • Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
  • Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
  • Freeport, Illinois.
  • Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • Steubenville, Ohio.
  • Nitro, West Virginia.
  • Hutchinson, Kansas.
  • Ada, Oklahoma.
May 14, 2024

Where do the happiest seniors live? ›

  • Denmark. 7.92.
  • Finland. 7.91.
  • Norway. 7.66.
  • Sweden. 7.59.
  • Iceland. 7.59.
  • New Zealand. 7.39.
  • Netherlands. 7.36.
  • Canada. 7.34.
Mar 19, 2024

What is the cheapest state to live in when you retire? ›

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, the lowest overall costs of living were found in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, and West Virginia: Cheapest states to retire.

What is the most tax-friendly state to live in? ›

Unsurprisingly, the states with no state income taxes at all ended up scoring pretty highly. Those eight states are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

How can I avoid federal tax on my pension? ›

Investors can avoid taxes on a lump sum pension payout by rolling over the proceeds into an individual retirement account (IRA) or other eligible retirement accounts. Here are two things you need to know: 20% withholding.

Does Florida tax Social Security and pensions? ›

Florida has no state income tax, no taxes on Social Security, no inheritance tax, no estate tax, and no taxes on retirement income like pensions, IRAs, or 401ks.

Are state pensions exempt from federal taxes? ›

Generally, pension and annuity payments are subject to Federal income tax withholding.

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