Retired in USA

Your golden years are your best years! Make them shine!

  • Home
  • Personal Finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

Which States Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026?

January 7, 2025 · Personal Finance
social security changes
Image by Jason Raff from Shutterstock

Are your Social Security benefits about to get taxed?

When you are a retiree and you are planning your financial future, the tax treatment of Social Security benefits is an important factor to consider. The number of states that tax social security benefits gets lower each year, but there are still some states out there that do that, and we believe that it’s important to know about them.

The good part? Last year there were eleven such states, so we are moving towards a better future.

There are many states where low-income retirees find their benefits entirely exempt from state taxes, but the states we want to discuss today have some stricter guidelines and still tax the benefits. Why is it important to be aware of all of this? This is the perfect guide for those retirees who want to optimize their finances and minimize tax burdens.

This article discusses how each of these states will tax Social Security benefits in 2026. From income-based exemptions to flat taxation schemes, we’ll explain how to navigate these restrictions.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

22 comments on “Which States Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026?”

  1. Antoinette says:
    March 27, 2026 at 11:13 pm

    It is just sad for your Social Security to be tax. Especially after you worked all these years. Just SAD, SAD.

    Reply
  2. Roger Coney says:
    August 12, 2025 at 3:34 pm

    I agree, Social Security should not be taxed; however, because it’s “social” security, each individual should only get back in benefits what they put in minus the “social” cost for those who are disabled and unable to continue working and contributing during their working years. Also the tax cap on earnings should be increased considerably. To say 1-2 Million in income. The tax for everyone could then be reduced, especially for those who don’t earn more than say, 30 to 50k. I.e., Make the tax progressive like other income based taxes.

    Reply
  3. Emily Coryell says:
    August 10, 2025 at 12:45 pm

    SS should not be taxed, I’m retiring in 1 year
    and 9 months. We all have paid taxes all of I working lives and it’s our turn to get something back.

    Reply
  4. Wayne Ragin says:
    April 3, 2025 at 12:33 pm

    No taxes on Social Security while paying into while working . That’s double taxing a retirees

    Reply
  5. JOHN J DUMAS says:
    March 22, 2025 at 4:30 am

    It is a waste of government resources to tax anyone under the median income. It only invites more government programs to return the money in the form of services at a premium.

    Reply
  6. nan says:
    February 27, 2025 at 11:54 pm

    As a disabled/retired teacher I knew SS would be low enough! But MY government wants to “double dip” me? Not ethical. Not affordable!! Total slap in the face……barely breathin’ here!!

    Reply
  7. MICHAEL RICHARD FRIDY says:
    February 13, 2025 at 2:59 pm

    Any state that taxes social security the people must vote all of the legislatures from the governor down all out of office. Social security was and has been abused for a long time by beaurocrats

    Reply
  8. Benjamin wada says:
    February 11, 2025 at 1:21 pm

    SS, Should not be taxed. Retirees earned this amount n wouldn’t that be double taxing. The U.S.Government should step in an make it a law that all States n U.S. Territories stop taxing SS.

    Reply
  9. Tammi Johnson says:
    February 10, 2025 at 6:44 pm

    so correct you are. we pay when we earn and we pay when we spend and then the IRS every year and we are by no means rich. In todays economy, my 63 year old husband works 60 & 70 hour weeks delivering concrete with 2 hip replacements. just to make ends meet s.s. is not an income you can survive on. they say he makes to much so we have to pay, needless to say they tax him severely before he even gets paid. we have no savings left, being on disability at 50, I was told I would not survive, 16 years later, still disabled, paying taxes while the rich get richer. I am now retirement age, what a mess, Thank the Good Lord I started working at 15 in the 70’s. 65 and still paying them due only to my s.s check !!!

    Reply
  10. Yvonne says:
    February 9, 2025 at 9:25 pm

    I feel its very wrong to be taxed an money that was alresdy been taxed while working, isnt that double taxation.?????

    Reply
Se încarcă comentarii...

Nu mai există comentarii de afișat.

Search

Latest Posts

  • A senior couple walks a golden retriever along a paved coastal promenade bordered by Mediterranean-style buildings and the ocean. 20 Safest Cities to Spend Your Retirement Years
  • Older woman drinking tea while looking at a paper map on a rustic wooden balcony overlooking a forest. These Are the Best and Worst US States for Women in 2026
  • Mature couple seated at a wooden dining table; woman gazes out the window with coffee while man writes beside an open map. 7 Signs Your Retirement Dreams Don't Match Your Spouse's
  • A mature man in a blue cardigan sits at a wooden kitchen table with a steaming mug and an open notebook, looking out a window. 9 Things That Surprise People Most About Retiring
  • A park bench with a newspaper and glasses, set along a wet walkway leading to the illuminated U.S. Capitol at dusk. Why This Midterm Could Be the Biggest Check on Trump's Power Yet
  • Trump second term tariffs Could You Really Get a $5,000 Check From the Government? Here's What to Know Before You Count On It
  • tariffs Trump Before You Get Excited About That $5,000 Check Trump Just Promised, Read This
  • Older woman with glasses smiling at a laptop near a steaming mug and notepad on a wooden table. 5 Easy Remote Jobs for Seniors That Pay Weekly
  • An older woman with grey hair sits at a wooden table, listening attentively to an adult man sitting across from her. 5 Family Conversations Every Retiree Should Have Before It's Too Late
  • A senior woman pulls an ID card from her wallet at a retail checkout counter while a cashier scans items. 7 Senior Discounts Store Clerks Never Mention (But Should)

Newsletter

Get retirement tips and senior living advice delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

A retired couple laughs together at an outdoor cafe in Mexico, basking in warm golden hour light.

What Happens to Your Social Security If You Move Abroad

Learn how moving abroad affects your Social Security benefits, taxation rules, payment restrictions, and mandatory…

Read More →
Social Security changes coming in 2024

6 Social Security Changes Coming Next Year

Are there any Social Security changes coming this year? Yes, there are, and we are…

Read More →
An older couple sitting at a wooden table reviewing financial papers in a warm, sunlit room.

Is Your Pension Keeping Up With Inflation?

Protect your pension income and retirement funds from inflation with actionable strategies to maintain purchasing…

Read More →
A park bench with a newspaper and glasses, set along a wet walkway leading to the illuminated U.S. Capitol at dusk.

Why This Midterm Could Be the Biggest Check on Trump’s Power Yet

Learn how the 2026 midterm elections could check executive power and impact your Social Security,…

Read More →
credit score

9 Credit Score Myths You Shouldn’t Believe Anymore

Considering the fact that credit card usage is here to stay, there is a ton…

Read More →
Savings

10 Huge Mistakes That Will Drain Your Savings

A man examines a financial app on his smartphone, illustrating the need to monitor spending…

Read More →
spousal

How Can You Increase Social Security with Spousal Benefits?

If you are currently married or were at one point, then you might still be…

Read More →
IRS Audit

8 IRS Audit Red Flags

You’re worried about an IRS Audit?

Read More →
retirement income tax state, retirement distributions

7 States That Don’t Tax Your Pension, 401(k), Social Security, and More

For retirees, every single cent counts, and that’s why we can all agree that when…

Read More →
Retired in USA

Your golden years are your best years! Make them shine!

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@ineditagency.com

Trust & Legal

  • Contact
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertiser Disclosure
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
  • Unsubscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • Do not sell my personal information
  • Request to Know
  • Request to Delete
  • CA Privacy Policy

Categories

  • Enjoying Retirement
  • Personal Finance
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in USA. All rights reserved.