U.S. News
41 States Where Your Social Security Check Won’t Be Taxed in 2025
By Jake Beardslee · June 9, 2025
41 States Where Your Social Security Check Won’t Be Taxed in 2025
Social Security remains a cornerstone of retirement income for millions of Americans, with 40% of those aged 65 and older relying on it for at least half their income, according to the AARP. But how much retirees ultimately keep can vary widely depending on where they live.While up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxed at the federal level based on income, some states also impose their own income taxes on these benefits. The good news for retirees: that number is on the decline. In 2025, only nine states will continue taxing Social Security payments.
Here’s a look at the 41 states where your Social Security check won’t be taxed in 2025: Kenny Eliason / Unsplash
1. Alabama
No state tax on Social Security. Zach Farmer / Unsplash
2. Alaska
No personal income tax at all, so Social Security is tax‑free. Joris Beugels / Unsplash
3. Arizona
Exempts Social Security; some filers deduct other retirement income too. Allison Astorga / Unsplash
4. Arkansas
Full exemption; considered a retiree-friendly tax regime. Joshua J. Cotten / Unsplash
5. California
Despite high in‑state taxes, Social Security remains untaxed. Paul Hanaoka / Unsplash
6. Delaware
No state income tax on Social Security and no sales/estate tax. Josefina Lacroze / Unsplash
7. Florida
No individual income tax — Social Security automatically exempt. Lance Asper / Unsplash
8. Georgia
Does not tax benefits; some additional retirement income may be. Ibuki Tsubo / Unsplash
9. Hawaii
High cost of living, but Social Security is tax‑free. Braden Jarvis / Unsplash
10. Idaho
No tax on benefits; future retirees get more clarity on deductions. Alden Skeie / Unsplash
11. Illinois
Exempts Social Security; also excludes some pension income. Sawyer Bengtson / Unsplash
12. Indiana
Social Security not taxed; affordable for retirees. Josh Hild / Unsplash
13. Iowa
Benefit‑friendly state; Social Security income exempt. Austin Goode / Unsplash
14. Kansas
Removed Social Security tax in 2024; benefits are fully exempt. Mary Hammel / Unsplash
15. Kentucky
No income tax on Social Security benefits. Intricate Explorer / Unsplash
16. Louisiana
No state income tax on benefits. Aya Salman / Unsplash
17. Maine
Social Security is not taxed in this Northeast state. Michael Denning / Unsplash
18. Maryland
No Social Security taxes; property and other retirement income vary. Jeff McLain / Unsplash
19. Massachusetts
Higher living costs, but benefits are untaxed. Pascal Bernardon / Unsplash
20. Michigan
No state tax on Social Security benefits. Gary Meulemans / Unsplash
21. Mississippi
Fully exempt; short‑term cost‑of‑living is low. Justin Wilkens / Unsplash
22. Missouri
Stopped taxing benefits in 2024; expect zero state tax now. Brittney Butler / Unsplash
23. Nebraska
Followed suit in 2024; benefits are tax‑free as of 2025. John Matychuk / Unsplash
24. Nevada
No income tax state — full exemption. Juliana Malta / Unsplash
25. New Hampshire
No income tax; Social Security is untaxed. Henry Dixon / Unsplash
26. New Jersey
No tax on Social Security benefits. Joey Pedras / Unsplash
27. New York
Does not tax Social Security. Thomas Habr / Unsplash
28. North Carolina
Benefit‑friendly; Social Security exempt. Wes Hicks / Unsplash
29. North Dakota
No tax on benefits since 2021. Rich Martello / Unsplash
30. Ohio
Social Security is not included in taxable income. Oz Seyrek / Unsplash
31. Oklahoma
Benefit‑friendly; no tax on Social Security. Alan Villegas / Unsplash
32. Oregon
Exempts Social Security. Katie Musial / Unsplash
33. Pennsylvania
No tax on benefits; friendly to retirees. Vidar Nordii-Mathisen / Unsplash
34. South Carolina
Social Security is tax‑free. Leo Heisenberg / Unsplash
35. South Dakota
No personal income tax; zero on benefits. Ronda Darby / Unsplash
36. Tennessee
No income tax — free of Social Security tax. Tanner Boriack / Unsplash
37. Texas
No income tax; all Social Security benefits are exempt. Carlos Delgado / Unsplash
38. Virginia
Social Security is not taxed. Matthew Lancaster / Unsplash
39. Washington
No state income tax — benefits untaxed. Olga Andreyanova / Unsplash
40. Wisconsin
No tax on Social Security benefits. Tom Barrett / Unsplash
41. Wyoming
No personal income tax; benefits are fully exempt. Karsten Koehn / Unsplash