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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.

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Ann says:
    February 9, 2025 at 5:29 pm

    Why do we have to pay taxes again?? We already paid taxes while we were working. . Why do we the middle class (poor people) have to be the “backbone” of this country?? Why can’t everyone do their share?? Why do
    the rich get richer and the rest have to struggle to keep America moving forward!! Where’s the justice in that??

    Reply
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