States That Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026: Retirees checking their first fall budget are running into a shorter list this year: only eight states that tax Social Security benefits remain in 2026, after West Virginia completed its three year phase out and became fully exempt beginning with tax year 2026. The remaining states are Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont. Even there, income limits, age rules and credits shield a large share of retirees, so the real question is not only whether your state taxes benefits but whether your income is high enough to trigger it. Older articles still list nine or eleven states, and those lists are out of date. We’ll be updating this article monthly.
The federal picture matters just as much. Up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefit can be taxable at the federal level once your combined income crosses fixed thresholds that have not been indexed for inflation since the 1980s and 1990s. Retirees who received the 2.8 percent cost of living increase this year may find that the raise nudged part of their benefit into taxable territory. The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the 2027 adjustment in October, when September inflation data arrives. Below you will find the current list, a free calculator, the payment calendar for the coming weeks and links to every official portal you need.
Which States Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026?
Eight states may tax at least part of your Social Security benefits for the 2026 tax year: Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont. The other 42 states and the District of Columbia do not tax benefits. Nine of those have no broad state income tax at all: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Some published lists still count West Virginia, Kansas or Missouri. Those three no longer tax benefits, and Nebraska and Iowa have also moved to exempt them.
Key Highlights and Dates
| Item | Latest detail |
|---|---|
| States taxing benefits, tax year 2026 | 8 (CO, CT, MN, MT, NM, RI, UT, VT) |
| West Virginia exemption | 35 percent in 2024, 65 percent in 2025, 100 percent from tax year 2026 |
| Kansas and Missouri repeal | Effective tax year 2024 |
| Nebraska repeal | Effective tax year 2024 and complete by 2025 in most guides |
| 2026 cost of living adjustment | 2.8 percent |
| 2027 COLA announcement | Expected October 2026 |
| Federal tax on benefits | Up to 85 percent taxable |
| Extra senior deduction | $6,000 per eligible person aged 65 or older, tax years 2025 to 2028 |
| Next payment dates | Sept 23, Oct 2, Oct 14, Oct 21 and Oct 28, 2026, depending on your group |
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Social Security State Tax Calculator
Social Security State Tax Calculator
Estimate the federal taxable share of your benefits and see how your state is likely to treat them (tax year 2026).
Educational estimate with simplified rules. State limits change every year, so confirm with your state revenue agency, the IRS or a tax professional.
State by State: How Each Taxing State Treats Social Security
Thresholds change with inflation adjustments and new legislation, so treat the figures below as a guide and check the state agency for your filing year.
| State | How benefits are treated | Rough income limit for full relief |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Age based subtraction for retirement income that includes Social Security, larger for those 65 and older | Depends on age and subtraction cap |
| Connecticut | Fully exempt below the AGI limit, partial taxation above, with a cap on the taxable share | $75,000 single, $100,000 joint |
| Minnesota | Subtraction for lower and middle incomes that phases out as income rises | About $82,000 single, $105,000 joint |
| Montana | Follows the federally taxable amount, with a subtraction for lower incomes | Depends on filing status |
| New Mexico | Exempt for most households under an income cap | $100,000 single, $150,000 joint |
| Rhode Island | Exempt once you reach full retirement age and stay under the AGI limit | About $101,000 single, $126,000 joint |
| Utah | Taxed, then offset by a retirement credit that shrinks as income grows | Credit phases out at higher incomes |
| Vermont | Exempt below the income limit, partial relief above it, and federal treatment at high incomes | About $55,000 single, $70,000 joint |
Did West Virginia Stop Taxing Social Security?
Yes. Lawmakers approved a three step exemption that let retirees subtract 35 percent of their federally taxable benefits in 2024, 65 percent in 2025 and every dollar starting with tax year 2026. Returns filed in early 2027 will be the first with no West Virginia tax on benefits. That brings the state in line with neighbors Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky, none of which taxes benefits. If you bookmarked a page that lists nine taxing states, it probably predates this change.
How Much of Your Social Security Is Taxable at the Federal Level?
Federal tax depends on provisional income, which is your adjusted gross income excluding benefits, plus tax-exempt interest, plus half of your annual benefit. The thresholds are fixed and are not adjusted for inflation, which is why more retirees cross them each year.
| Filing status | Provisional income | Taxable share of benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Below $25,000 | 0 percent |
| Single | $25,000 to $34,000 | Up to 50 percent |
| Single | Above $34,000 | Up to 85 percent |
| Married filing jointly | Below $32,000 | 0 percent |
| Married filing jointly | $32,000 to $44,000 | Up to 50 percent |
| Married filing jointly | Above $44,000 | Up to 85 percent |
Eighty five percent does not mean you pay 85 percent tax. It means up to 85 percent of the benefit is added to taxable income and then taxed at your normal bracket. Someone in the 12 percent bracket, for example, pays 12 percent on that added slice.
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Two federal changes are reshaping this year’s tax math. First, the 2.8 percent cost of living adjustment raised monthly checks in January, which can push a borrower’s combined income over a threshold even when spending power barely improved. Second, a temporary extra deduction of $6,000 per eligible person aged 65 or older applies for tax years 2025 through 2028, and it phases out at higher incomes. It does not eliminate tax on Social Security, but it can shrink the income on which your benefits are measured. Many state systems start from federal adjusted gross income, so a lower federal figure can also improve your state result.
How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?
Most people can apply online in about 30 minutes. Plan ahead, because the agency suggests applying roughly four months before you want checks to begin.
Step by step
First, create or sign in to your my Social Security account at the official portal. Second, review your earnings record for errors, since benefits are built on your 35 highest earning years. Third, choose your start age. Claiming at 62 reduces the monthly amount permanently, full retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, and waiting until 70 earns delayed retirement credits. Fourth, complete the online retirement application, add direct deposit details and choose whether to have federal tax withheld using Form W-4V. Fifth, upload or mail any requested documents such as proof of birth or military service. If you prefer help, call the national line or book an appointment at a local office.
Should you withhold tax from benefits?
You can ask for 7, 10, 12 or 22 percent to be withheld from each payment, which avoids a surprise bill in April. Residents of states that tax benefits may also need to adjust state withholding or make estimated payments.
Social Security Application Processing Time
Straightforward online retirement claims often finish within a few weeks, and many applicants see a decision in one to two months. Claims that need extra documents, involve a spouse or ex-spouse, or require a work record correction can take longer. After approval you receive a notice of award that lists your monthly amount and first payment date. You can track progress by signing in to your online account, calling the toll free number or visiting a field office. Applying early and uploading documents right away are the best ways to avoid delays.
Social Security Payment Schedule for September and October 2026
Payment dates follow your birth date. People who started benefits before May 1997, or who also receive SSI, follow different rules.
| Group | September 2026 | October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Started before May 1997 or receive SSI and Social Security | Sept 3 | Oct 3 falls on a Saturday, so Oct 2 |
| Born on the 1st to 10th | Sept 9 | Oct 14 |
| Born on the 11th to 20th | Sept 16 | Oct 21 |
| Born on the 21st to 31st | Sept 23 | Oct 28 |
| SSI only | Sept 1 | Oct 1 |
Are Social Security Benefits Taxed in My State?
Start with your total income from every source. If you live in one of the eight taxing states, compare your adjusted gross income with the limits in the table above. If you live anywhere else, your only Social Security tax bill will be federal. Moving across a state line can change your result, but so can property tax, sales tax and health costs, so compare the whole picture before relocating. Retirees who split time between two states should also review residency rules, since a state may claim you as a resident if you spend more than half the year there.
Who Is Most Likely to Owe State Tax on Social Security?
Higher earning retirees with large pensions, required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs, or rental income are the most likely to cross state limits. Retirees living mainly on benefits with modest savings usually pay nothing at the state level, even in the eight taxing states. A useful habit is to model your income each fall. Roth conversions, timing of IRA withdrawals and qualified charitable distributions can all change the income measure that states use.
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Official Websites and Resources
| Purpose | Official link |
|---|---|
| Social Security Administration home | ssa.gov |
| Apply for retirement benefits | ssa.gov/apply |
| my Social Security login and registration | ssa.gov/myaccount |
| Check application status | Sign in to my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 |
| Taxes on Social Security benefits | ssa.gov taxes guide |
| IRS Publication 915 | irs.gov/publications/p915 |
| Colorado Department of Revenue | tax.colorado.gov |
| Connecticut Department of Revenue Services | portal.ct.gov/drs |
| Minnesota Department of Revenue | revenue.state.mn.us |
| Montana Department of Revenue | mtrevenue.gov |
| New Mexico Taxation and Revenue | tax.newmexico.gov |
| Rhode Island Division of Taxation | tax.ri.gov |
| Utah State Tax Commission | tax.utah.gov |
| Vermont Department of Taxes | tax.vermont.gov |
| West Virginia State Tax Division | tax.wv.gov |
FAQs
How many states tax Social Security benefits in 2026?
8. Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont may tax some benefits, usually only above an income limit.
Does West Virginia tax Social Security in 2026?
No. The phase out finished, and benefits are fully exempt starting with tax year 2026.
Which states do not tax Social Security at all?
Forty-two states and Washington, D.C. leave benefits alone, including all states with no income tax and states like California, New York, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
At what income is Social Security taxed federally?
For single filers, tax can start once provisional income tops $25,000. For joint filers, the starting point is $32,000.
Can I have federal taxes withheld from my Social Security check?
Yes. File Form W-4V with the agency and choose 7, 10, 12 or 22 percent withholding.
When will the 2027 COLA be announced?
Expect the announcement in October 2026, after the September consumer price data is released.
What is the best state to retire in to avoid Social Security tax?
Any of the 42 states that do not tax benefits works for that goal. Compare property tax, sales tax, healthcare costs and climate before deciding.
Is Social Security income taxable in my state if I am over 65?
Age can help in Colorado and Rhode Island, where rules favor older taxpayers, but many states rely on income rather than age.
How do I know if my Social Security is taxed?
Check Form SSA-1099 for your total benefits, add half of that amount to your other income, then compare the result with the federal thresholds above.
Do I have to file a state return if only Social Security is my income?
Often no, but filing rules vary by state, so check your state agency if you also had wages, interest or withholding.
Why did my Social Security become taxable this year?
A higher COLA, IRA withdrawals or extra investment income can push you over a fixed threshold, even when your lifestyle has not changed.
Will more states stop taxing Social Security?
The direction over the past decade has been toward repeal or larger exemptions, and several remaining states have raised income limits, though future changes depend on each legislature.
Conclusion
The list of states that tax Social Security benefits has never been shorter. Eight remain in 2026, West Virginia has joined the exempt group, and most retirees in the remaining states still pay little or nothing at the state level because of income limits and credits. The larger bill for many households is federal, driven by fixed thresholds and rising incomes. Run the calculator, confirm your rules on the official sites listed above and revisit your plan each fall. We’ll be updating this article monthly as states, the IRS and the Social Security Administration publish new figures.
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