Katelyn Washington
It’s becoming less common for states to tax Social Security benefits, but eight states still do. However, the tax treatment of Social Security retirement income can vary drastically from state to state. That’s mainly because many of these states won’t tax your Social Security if you meet specific income guidelines, and some states have more generous guidelines than others.
So, here’s how all eight states tax Social Security retirement income.
Colorado
Colorado taxes Social Security benefits, but some retirees won't have to pay. That’s because Colorado allows taxpayers 65 and older to deduct all their federally taxed Social Security. (Younger retirees, those under age 65, get a smaller tax break in Colorado.) The Centennial State currently taxes all taxable income at a flat 4.4% rate.
Retirees aged 55 to 64 can deduct up to:
- $95,000 (married filing joint) or $75,000 (single filer) of Social Security benefits from their taxable income for tax year 2026.
- For taxpayers who exceed the above thresholds, the deduction is $20,000.
Sponsored Content
Connecticut
While Connecticut technically still taxes Social Security benefits, many residents won’t pay these state taxes in retirement. Whether you pay state income tax on Social Security in the Constitution State depends on your adjusted gross income (AGI) and your filing status.
- For married filing separately and single filers, Social Security benefits are not taxed in Connecticut if adjusted gross income (AGI) is under $75,000.
- For married filing jointly and head of household filers, Social Security benefits are not taxed with AGI below $100,000.
- If a taxpayer’s AGI is more than the Connecticut income threshold, no more than 25% of Social Security benefits are taxed.
Sponsored Content
Minnesota
Minnesota taxes Social Security income that is considered taxable by the federal government. However, some Minnesota retirees qualify for a Social Security income subtraction when filing their state tax return. A taxpayer's subtraction is reduced by 10% for each $4,000 over the threshold (10% for each $2,000 of AGI over $52,690 for married filing separately).
Here are the threshold amounts subject to no social security tax, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue:
- Married filing jointly filers are fully tax-exempt at less than $105,380.
- If you are married and filing separately, you are fully tax-exempt at $52,690 or less.
- Head of household and single filers are tax-exempt at less than $82,190.
(Note: Minnesota also has an "alternative method" for claiming a state subtraction. This method is based on your filing status and provisional income, which is your gross income plus tax-exempt interest and half of Social Security and Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits.)
Sponsored Content
Montana
Montana’s income tax rate is 5.9% on income over $42,200 ($21,100 for single filers). That’s not great news for some retirees since the treatment of Social Security retirement income isn't as generous in Montana for 2025 as it is in most states.
- Taxpayers 65 and over only receive a $5,500 subtraction from federal taxable income.
- Several income deductions, including the partial interest income deduction for taxpayers aged 65 or older, were repealed last tax year.
Sponsored Content
New Mexico
New Mexico technically taxes Social Security benefits, but many retirees won’t pay a dime to the state at tax time. That’s because the Land of Enchantment provides higher income thresholds for exempting Social Security benefits than other states.
- Single filers earning up to $100,000 per year won’t have their Social Security benefits taxed at the state level.
- New Mexico won’t tax Social Security benefits for joint filers who earn up to $150,000 per year.
Sponsored Content
Rhode Island
Rhode Island exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax for many retirees. Retirees who have reached full retirement age and meet income requirements aren't subject to state tax on Social Security benefits. Here are the most recent income thresholds:
- For joint filers, only those with an AGI of $130,250 or more are subject to state tax on Social Security benefits.
- For most other filing statuses, only retirees with a federal AGI of $104,200 or more pay state taxes on Social Security benefits.
Sponsored Content
Utah
Utah taxes Social Security benefits, but some retirees may qualify for a Social Security benefits credit. There is a Social Security Credit Worksheet on the state’s website you can use to determine the amount of the credit you qualify for.
- Utah also offers a retirement tax credit of $450, but taxpayers can’t take this credit if they claim the Social Security benefits credit or the Military Retirement credit.
- Utah taxes all taxable income at a flat 4.50% tax rate.
Sponsored Content
Vermont
Not all retirees in Vermont pay state income tax on Social Security benefits. That’s because Vermont allows a full exemption of Social Security income from state taxation for retirees who meet income requirements. Here are the income thresholds for 2025:
- If you are married and filing jointly, your Social Security benefits are tax-exempt in Vermont if your AGI is $65,000 or less.
- Single and married filing separately filers qualify for a full exemption with an AGI of $50,000 or less.
- Single filers qualify for a partial exemption with an AGI up to $59,999 ($74,999 for joint filers).
Sponsored Content
-
AI Stocks Lead Nasdaq's 398-Point Nosedive: Stock Market TodayThe major stock market indexes do not yet reflect the bullish tendencies of sector rotation and broadening participation.
-
Top Tech Gifts to Grab at Walmart Before ChristmasBig savings on Apple, Bose, HP, Vizio and more while there's still time to shop.
-
AI Appliances Aren’t Exciting Buyers…YetThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is being embedded into all sorts of appliances. Now sellers need to get customers to care about AI-powered laundry.
-
What to Do With Your Tax Refund: 6 Ways to Bring GrowthUse your 2024 tax refund to boost short-term or long-term financial goals by putting it in one of these six places.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowMedicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
12 Great Places to Retire in the MidwestPlaces to live Here are our retirement picks in the 12 midwestern states.
-
15 Cheapest Small Towns to Live InThe cheapest small towns might not be for everyone, but their charms can make them the best places to live for plenty of folks.
-
15 Reasons You'll Regret an RV in RetirementMaking Your Money Last Here's why you might regret an RV in retirement. RV-savvy retirees talk about the downsides of spending retirement in a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or other recreational vehicle.
-
The 24 Cheapest Places To Retire in the USWhen you're trying to balance a fixed income with an enjoyable retirement, the cost of living is a crucial factor to consider. Is your city the best?
-
The Six Best Places to Retire in New Englandplaces to live Thinking about a move to New England for retirement? Here are the best places to land for quality of life, affordability and other criteria.
-
Estate Planning Checklist: 13 Smart Movesretirement Follow this estate planning checklist for you (and your heirs) to hold on to more of your hard-earned money.
