You’ve spent years dreaming of where you’ll retire. Maybe it’s the beaches of Florida, the mountains of Tennessee, or just a smaller house closer to the grandkids.
But before you call the movers, you need to check the local tax laws.
Moving to the wrong state can cost you thousands of dollars a year. While the federal government taxes Social Security, most states do not. However, there is a shrinking list of states that still take a cut of your monthly benefit.
As your trusted advocate, we are here to help you navigate the map. We will show you which states to avoid, which ones are tax havens, and the “hidden” taxes you might forget to check.
Key Takeaways
- The Good News: 41 states (plus D.C.) do NOT tax Social Security benefits.
- The “Naughty” List: Only 9 states still tax Social Security in some form for 2026.
- The “Total Tax” Trap: Don’t just look at income tax. A state with no income tax (like Texas) often has massive property taxes.
- The Strategy: Calculate the “Big Three” (Income, Sales, Property) before you move
The "Naughty List": States That Tax Social Security
As of the 2025/2026 tax year, the list of states that tax Social Security has shrunk. If you live in (or move to) one of these 9 states, you might owe state tax on your benefits, depending on your income level.
- Colorado (Taxable over certain age/income limits)
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
Note: West Virginia recently phased out the tax for 2024+. Missouri and Nebraska have also recently stopped taxing benefits.
The Silver Lining: Even in these “taxing” states, many have generous exemptions. For example, Colorado allows residents 65+ to deduct all Social Security from state taxes. Always check the specific state rules.
The "Tax-Free" Havens: States with NO Income Tax
If you want to simplify your life, these states charge $0 state income tax on wages, pensions, and Social Security.
- Alaska
- Florida (Popular for a reason!)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (Taxes interest/dividends, but no wage tax)
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
The "Middle Ground" Winners: Income Tax, But NO Social Security Tax
You don’t have to move to Florida to protect your Social Security. There are 32 states (plus D.C.) that charge state income tax on wages but fully exempt Social Security benefits.
This list includes popular retirement destinations like:
- Arizona
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania (Also exempts most pension income!)
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Michigan
The Strategy: If you live in one of these states, you only need to worry about taxes on your IRA withdrawals or part-time work, not your Social Security check.
The “Total Tax” Trap: Look Beyond Income
This is the most common mistake seniors make. They move to Texas because there is “No State Income Tax,” only to be shocked by a $8,000 property tax bill.
To find the true cost of living, you must look at the “Big Three” Senior Taxes.
|
State Type
|
The Trap
|
Example
|
|---|---|---|
|
No Income Tax States
|
Often have High Property Taxes or Sales Taxes to make up revenue.
|
Texas:
No income tax, but some of the highest property taxes in the U.S.
|
|
Tax-Friendly States
|
You pay 20% of the bill (unless you have Medigap).
Low property tax, but might tax your Pension.
|
Pennsylvania:
Low property tax, no tax on retirement income, but high gas tax/tolls.
|
|
High Income Tax States
|
Only "Medically Necessary" treatments.
Might offer huge Senior Exemptions.
|
New York: High taxes generally, but Social Security and public pensions are 100% exempt.
|
Your "Relocation" Tax Checklist
This is the most searched legal question regarding senior accidents. If you are injured by another driver and receive a legal settlement (cash payout) from their insurance company, Medicare wants its money back.
- The “Subrogation” Right: If Medicare paid for your medical bills while you were waiting for the lawsuit to settle, they place a lien on your settlement money.
- What it Means: Before you get your settlement check, the government takes the money it spent on your care. You cannot “double dip” by having Medicare pay your bills and then keeping the cash meant for those bills.
- The Strategy: Always tell your personal injury attorney that you are a Medicare beneficiary immediately. They must negotiate the “Medicare Lien” to ensure you don’t get hit with a surprise bill after the case closes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You pay taxes in your State of Domicile (your primary legal residence). This is usually where you spend 183+ days a year, where you vote, and where your car is registered. Be careful—states like New York audit “Snowbirds” aggressively to ensure they really left.
No. Florida has no state income tax, so your Social Security, Pension, and IRA withdrawals are all state-tax-free. This is why it is the #1 retirement destination.
This is a state-level tax on the person who receives your money. Six states (Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania) impose this. If you retire there, your children might pay a tax to inherit your money.
In most states, if your only income is Social Security and the state exempts it, you do not need to file a state return. However, federal rules (Combined Income) still apply.
It takes more than just buying a house. You must update your Driver’s License, Register to Vote, move your Bank Accounts, and file a “Declaration of Domicile” in the new state to prove you have permanently moved.
Get Help with Your Taxes (Make your move a smart financial decision. Talk to an expert today.)
