States That Don't Tax Social Security
Find out how your state taxes Social Security, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals in 2026.
42 states plus DC don't tax Social Security at all. Only 8 states do: Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont, and even those offer exemptions for moderate incomes. But not taxing Social Security doesn't always mean your pension or 401(k) withdrawals are tax-free too.
Retirement income tax rules vary more than most people expect, and Social Security, pensions, and 401(k)/IRA withdrawals aren't always treated the same way within the same state. Select your state below to see how each type of retirement income is generally handled.
Check Your State's Retirement Income Tax Treatment
Three categories of states
- NO TAXNo state income tax at all
- 9 states — every retirement income source is untaxed, regardless of type.
- TAXES SSTaxes Social Security
- 8 states — but all 8 offer an income-based exemption for moderate incomes.
- EXEMPTS SSExempts SS, may still tax pensions
- 33 states + DC — Social Security is exempt, but pension/401(k)/IRA treatment varies and needs individual verification.
"Tax-friendly for retirees" isn't just about income tax — states with no income tax sometimes have higher property or sales taxes instead, so the full picture matters more than one tax type alone.
Select a state above to see your results.
No state income tax
is one of 8 states that taxes Social Security
This usually applies only above an income threshold — all 8 states offer some exemption. For the exact Social Security taxation details for this state, see this site's Is Social Security Taxable? Calculator.
does not tax Social Security benefits
There are really three categories of states here, and it matters which one applies to you. Eight states, plus New Hampshire in the narrower sense, have no state income tax at all, or tax only investment income, meaning none of your retirement income, from any source, faces state tax. Eight different states specifically tax Social Security benefits, though all eight offer exemptions that shield many moderate-income retirees from owing anything. That leaves the majority of states, which don't tax Social Security but may still tax pension income, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals, and other retirement account distributions as ordinary income. Some of those states offer their own exemptions or credits for retirement income generally, separate from how they treat Social Security specifically. This is why "my state doesn't tax Social Security" isn't the same question as "my state doesn't tax my retirement income." It's worth checking both, since they can have very different answers even in the same state, and it's also worth remembering that a state's overall tax friendliness depends on property and sales taxes too, not income tax alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states don't tax Social Security at all?
42 states plus DC don't tax Social Security benefits. Only 8 states do as of 2026: Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.
Which states have no income tax at all?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax. New Hampshire taxes only interest and dividend income, not wages or retirement income.
If my state doesn't tax Social Security, does that mean my pension is tax-free too?
Not necessarily. Some states exempt Social Security specifically but still tax pension or 401(k)/IRA withdrawals as ordinary income, sometimes with a partial exemption for seniors.
Is a state with no income tax always the best choice for retirees?
Not automatically. States without income tax sometimes make up for it with higher property or sales taxes, so it's worth looking at your overall tax picture, not just one tax type.
Do all 8 states that tax Social Security tax the full amount?
No. All 8 offer some form of income-based exemption that reduces or eliminates the tax for moderate-income retirees.
Where can I find my state's exact retirement income tax rules?
Your state's Department of Revenue publishes current exemption amounts and thresholds, since these can change from year to year.
State retirement income tax rules change frequently and vary by income level and source. This tool provides general information and does not constitute tax advice. For current, exact figures, consult your state's Department of Revenue or a tax professional.