Which states tax Social Security benefits? See the map and tax rates.

Core Insights - Changes to Social Security tax rules are set to take effect in 2026, potentially providing new federal tax breaks for beneficiaries and altering state-level taxation on benefits [1][6]. Federal Taxation - Social Security income is generally taxed at the federal level, with up to 85% of benefits taxable based on household income. Individuals earning less than $25,000 and couples earning under $32,000 are exempt from federal taxes on their benefits [3]. State Taxation - Currently, eight states impose taxes on Social Security income, while 41 states do not. Notably, West Virginia will cease taxing Social Security benefits in 2026, reducing the number of states that tax these benefits to seven [5][6]. Senior Tax Deductions - Under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, seniors aged 65 and older can claim an additional $6,000 on top of their standard deduction, effective through 2028. This allows older Americans to potentially write off up to $23,750 for individual filers and $46,700 for joint filers [4][6]. Variability in State Tax Rules - The amount beneficiaries pay in state taxes varies significantly based on local laws and household income. Some states, like Connecticut and Minnesota, tax Social Security, but often provide exemptions for lower-income retirees. Colorado allows certain seniors to deduct federal Social Security taxes from their state contributions [7].