State Tax on Social Security Checker

How this calculator works

Federal tax is only part of the picture. Each state decides for itself whether to tax Social Security benefits, and the list has been shrinking for years. This tool tells you whether the state you choose taxes Social Security for tax year 2026, and whether it has a broad personal income tax at all.

The input. Select your state of residence. Generally it is the state where you live, not where you used to work, that decides how your benefits are taxed.

What the tool checks.

1. Is the state one of the eight that still tax Social Security benefits in tax year 2026? If so, the tool flags it and reminds you to check the state's exemption rules.
2. Is the state one of the nine with no broad personal income tax on wages and retirement income? If so, Social Security is not taxed there.
3. Otherwise, the state has an income tax but exempts Social Security benefits.

All remaining states and the District of Columbia have an income tax but do not tax Social Security benefits.

Taxing states usually have exemptions. Being on the list of eight does not mean every retiree there pays tax on benefits. Most of these states offer income-based exemptions, deductions or credits, so many middle- and lower-income retirees owe little or nothing on their Social Security. Because these thresholds differ from state to state and can change each year, the tool does not calculate the state tax amount. Check your state revenue department's website or instructions for the current rules.

Worked example. Richard and Helen are retired and moving from Kansas to Colorado to be near family. In Kansas, which ended its tax on Social Security, their benefits were not taxed by the state. Colorado is one of the eight states that still taxes Social Security in tax year 2026, so the tool flags it. Their next step is to look at Colorado's own exemption rules to see whether their benefits would actually be taxed at their age and income. If they had chosen Florida instead, the tool would show that Florida has no broad personal income tax at all.

Whichever state you live in, part of your benefits may still be taxed at the federal level. Our Social Security tax calculator works out the federal taxable portion, and the senior tax calculator estimates your total federal bill. For more background on each state, read our guide to states that tax Social Security.

Limits of this estimate. This tool answers a yes-or-no question about Social Security benefits for tax year 2026. It does not calculate state tax owed or cover how a state treats pensions, IRA withdrawals or other retirement income, which can be taxed even where Social Security is exempt. It also does not address part-year residents, local income taxes or property tax relief for seniors. State laws change, so confirm with your state before making a decision such as moving.