Question 1

Which states don't tax Social Security benefits?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of states do not tax Social Security benefits. The nine no-income-tax states (AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY) naturally exempt them. Most other income-tax states also fully exempt SS benefits. Only a few states (like Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia) tax some portion of SS benefits, often with income-based exemptions.

Question 2

How is Social Security taxed at the federal level?

Accepted Answer

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be federally taxable. The IRS uses a 'provisional income' formula: your other income + 50% of SS benefits. For single filers: below $25,000 = 0% taxable; $25,000-$34,000 = up to 50% taxable; above $34,000 = up to 85% taxable. Married filing jointly thresholds are $32,000 and $44,000.

Question 3

Why does this calculator show different federal tax amounts by state?

Accepted Answer

Federal tax on Social Security is the same regardless of state. However, the total tax shown includes both federal and state tax, so the variation comes from the state-level treatment. States that tax SS benefits will show a higher total tax than those that exempt them.

Question 4

What does the SS Taxable % column mean?

Accepted Answer

The SS Taxable % shows what percentage of your Social Security benefits are included in taxable income under the federal provisional income formula. It can be 0%, up to 50%, or up to 85% depending on your total income level. This percentage is the same across all states since it's a federal calculation.

Question 5

Can I reduce taxes on my Social Security benefits?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce the taxable portion of SS benefits by lowering your other income sources. Strategies include: using Roth IRA withdrawals (not counted in provisional income), timing capital gains, managing pension distributions, and considering municipal bond interest. Moving to a state that doesn't tax SS benefits can also eliminate the state-level tax.

#	State	Federal Tax	State Tax	SS Taxable %	Total Tax
1	Alaska (AK)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
2	Arizona (AZ)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
3	California (CA)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
4	Colorado (CO)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
5	District of Columbia (DC)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
6	Florida (FL)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
7	Idaho (ID)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
8	Iowa (IA)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
9	Maine (ME)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
10	Mississippi (MS)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
11	Missouri (MO)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0
12	Montana (MT)	$0	$0	4.17%	$0

Social Security Tax by State Calculator (2025)

Social Security Income

Alaska (AK)

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