7 States That Do Not Tax Retirement Income
June 26, 2017
States That Do Not Tax Retirement Income
In retirement, one of the largest burdens is tax liabilities–the money paid to the government from your social security, military retirement plan, pension account, and/or investment retirement account. And since you’re no longer working, your income is fixed, and may be very limited. As such, every dollar you can hold on to is all the more beneficial.
Here’s a focus on states that you may want to consider living in during retirement, since some states are more tax-friendly to retirees than others. Below are details on which states do not require taxes paid on retirement income, and how property and sales taxes could impact you.
Tax Friendly Retirement State Map
Below is a map of the United States based on tax-friendliness for retirement income. The gray states are the most tax-friendly. As the colors go darker, the income tax rates get higher.
(Source: “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2017,” Tax Foundation, March 9, 2017.)
List of States that Do Not Collect Retirement Income Tax
Below are the seven states that do not expect any tax revenue from your retirement income.
If you receive a pension or are withdrawing money from your investment retirement account, there will be no related taxes when living in one of the seven states listed above. However, there are still other taxes you can’t avoid, such as sales and property tax.
Here is more information about the above seven states.
#1 Alaska
In addition to having no retirement income tax, Alaska also doesn’t charge sales tax on goods and services. However, what Alaska does have is some of the highest property taxes in the country.
#2 Florida
Florida’s sales tax is far above the average for U.S. states, while property taxes are in the middle of the pack. But what you should consider even before taxes is the post-employment lifestyle you want to experience. Florida is a state noted for its high retiree population, with good reason, given its year-round warm weather.
#3 Nevada
If you are young at heart and looking for a good time, Nevada may be the spot for you. The state is home to Las Vegas, “the city that never sleeps.” That said, Nevada also features many quiet locations that can provide peace of mind in your golden years. Sales taxes are on the higher end in Nevada, while property taxes are on the lower end.
#4 South Dakota
No taxes on retirement income aside, South Dakota’s other taxes are fairly balanced, which is the reverse of Nevada. Sales taxes are low while property taxes are high.
#5 Texas
Texas receives tax revenue through both sales and property taxes, both of which are on the higher end of the spectrum.
#6 Washington
Washington State will not tax any of your retirement income, but it will generate revenue by taxing your property. In fact, the property tax there is considered one of the highest in the country. The same could be said for the sales tax, which is quite high, compared to the average U.S. state tax rate.
#7 Wyoming
Wyoming could be a quiet and relaxing place to spend your golden years. The tax structure appears very favorable, with no tax liability for any retirement income. The sales and property taxes for the state are also below-average.
Also Read:
7 Best Places to Retire in 2017
Top Retirement Advice for 30-Year-Olds
The 8th and 9th States that Charge No Tax on Retirement Income
As noted above, there are two other states which would fit into a gray area regarding taxes. Both Tennessee and New Hampshire do not charge any tax on income, except dividend and interest income earned through investments. However, Tennessee will be reducing its five-percent tax on dividend income by one percent annually beginning this year, meaning it will no longer charge as of 2022.
States that Do Not Tax Social Security Income
Part of your retirement income may be coming from social security, specifically the kind for retirees. From each paycheck you received when working, a small percentage of your income went into a trust fund. The amount that is paid out will depend on an individual’s earnings over the lifetime, the age at which the benefits begin to be paid out, and whether the individual’s spouse is eligible for benefits.
Even though the government is giving you this money, there are some states that will charge a tax on the payout:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States That Do Tax Social Security Income
If you plan to retire or are already retired and living in one of the following states, you will have to pay taxes on the social security that you receive:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
States That Do Not Tax Military Retirement
If you served America by working for the Department of Defense (DoD), there is a possibility of paying no tax on any income received from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). This will be based on the state you reside in and whether it has an agreement in place with the DoD. Here is a list of states that do not tax military retirement pay.
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
States with Special Military Retirement Pay Exemptions
There is another group of states that will offer exemptions to military retirees:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
Here is a breakdown of the exemptions offered by each state.
#1 Arizona
The first $2,500 of military retirement pay is exempt.
#2 Arkansas
The first $6,000 received from military retirement payments is exempt.
#3 Colorado
Individuals aged between 55 and 64 years can exclude up to $20,000 in a given year. Those over 65 can exclude up to $24,000.
#4 Delaware
There is an exemption of up to $2,000 for individuals under the age of 60. If the individual is over 60, then up to $12,500 can be exempt.
#5 District of Columbia
There could be up to $3,000 excluded for military retirement payments for individuals who are age 62 or older.
#6 Idaho
There are only tax benefits offered if an individual is over the age of 65 (62 years with a disability).
#7 Indiana
Individuals who have served their country (or a surviving spouse) can exclude up to $5,000 of military retirement or survivor benefits. If both military pay and retirement pay or survivor benefits are received, then the maximum claim is $5,000.
#8 Kentucky
If an individual retired before January 1, 1998, he or she will receive a full exemption. There are partial exemptions if the person retired after December 31, 1997.
#9 Maryland
There is the possibility of excluding up to $5,000 from military retirement payments. Once an individual is over the age of 65, he or she may be able to exclude up to $10,000 annually.
#10 Michigan
Depending on your age, filing status, and other pensions and income sources, there is the possibility of paying no tax.
#11 Missouri
If you’re single and earn a gross income below $85,000 or are part of a married couple earning less than $100,000 gross income, you can deduct the greater of $6,000, or 100% of your retirement benefits.
#12 Nebraska
Tax exemptions are on a case-by-case basis (click here for more information).
#13 North Carolina
There are tax exemptions if the person had at least five years of military service before August 12, 1989.
#14 Oklahoma
In this state, the exemption is either $10,000 or 75% of your retirement pay, whichever is greater.
#15 Oregon
If military service was performed before October 1, 1991, there are tax exemptions offered. Military service after this date is taxed as normal income.
#16 South Carolina
An individual is able to deduct the amount of taxable income equal to the military retirement payments in a year.
#17 West Virginia
The first $2,000 is excluded for taxes. There is also an additional exemption of whichever is less between $20,000 or years of military service multiplied by two percent.
Closing Thoughts about Taxes in Retirement
I believe that deciding where you want to live in retirement is important. For example., if you plan to live in Alaska, there are no taxes that would need to be paid on income or purchases, meaning less of a need to save money for retirement. On the other hand, planning to retire in a state such as California means needing to save more. In other words, knowing where you plan to live could help determine how much money you would need to maintain the lifestyle you want.
Also, if you plan on retiring in a place with tax-friendly rules, it could mean being able to retire earlier. Or, if you are already retired, you could always move to a state which is more favorable to your bottom line.
