Tax-Free Social Security: In 2025, a total of U.S. states 41 in total, plus Washington, D.C. will not take state income taxes from Social Security checks. That’s great news for retirees. It means they can keep more of their monthly income, which really helps when every dollar matters.
This is not just a random move. Over the past few years, more states have decided to give seniors a break. It’s a clear sign that many places want to help people who worked all their lives and are now living on a fixed income. These states have changed their tax laws so retirees don’t lose part of their Social Security money to state taxes.
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Tax-Free Social Security: States that do not tax Social Security benefits
The following states currently do not taxSocial Security benefits:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- 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
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.
These states have implemented policies that excludeSocial Security benefits from state income taxation, providing significant financial relief to retirees
Tax policies
Even if a state doesn’t tax Social Security, it might still tax other income like 401(k)s or pensions. That’s why retirement planning isn’t just about warm weather or nice views it’s also about taxes.
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Take Delaware for example. It’s often called one of the best states for retirees. There’s no sales tax. No estate tax. No inheritance tax. And property taxes are low. So retirees there can stretch their money further.
Some states still tax Social Security but not for everyone. In Minnesota, if your only income is Social Security, you don’t have to pay state tax on it. In Colorado, since 2022, people aged 65 or older could fully deduct their federally taxed Social Security on state returns. And starting in 2025, people as young as 55 can do the same if they earn under $75,000 (single) or $95,000 (married filing jointly).
So yes basically many states are now friendlier to retirees. But that doesn’t mean people can skip the homework. It’s smart to look at the whole tax picture before packing up and moving. Not just income tax, but also sales tax, property tax, and even cost of living.
