How to pay $0 in Social Security taxes in 2026: 5 smart ways retirees can cut or eliminate taxes

Core Insights - Nearly half of all Social Security beneficiaries face tax liabilities on their benefits, particularly affecting middle to high-income earners [1] Tax Implications - Depending on combined provisional income, beneficiaries may owe taxes on 50% or 85% of their benefits, with thresholds set at $25,000 for single taxpayers and $32,000 for couples filing jointly as of 2026 [2] - States that impose additional taxes on Social Security benefits include Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia [3] Strategies to Mitigate Taxes - Relocating to a state without Social Security taxes can effectively eliminate this tax burden and may also reduce other taxes and overall living costs [4][3] - Delaying Social Security claims can lower combined income for tax calculations, potentially keeping beneficiaries under income thresholds for taxation while also increasing monthly benefits [5][6] - Withdrawals from Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA accounts are excluded from provisional income calculations, making them advantageous for tax management in retirement [7]