Just because you paid a payroll tax during your working years to fund Social Security doesn’t mean you’re done once you retire.
Retirees may know that they will pay federal taxes on their social security benefits if their total income exceeds certain amounts. But few of them may realize that some states will also try to take a cut. Social Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor and disability benefits.
The good news is fewer than a dozen states tax social security benefits, so chances are good you won’t get hit. While each state has different rules on what or how they will tax your social security money, age and income usually determine if you pay. It’s best to check with your state’s rules, but here are general guidelines on what you can expect.
Important information:Are you ready to file your taxes? Here’s everything you need to know to file taxes in 2023.
Which states tax social security benefits?
States that tax benefits include:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
More state taxes to watch:State taxes can be complex if you choose to work in a different state. Here’s what to know.
State inheritance taxes:Is there a federal inheritance tax? Here’s how much inherited money is taxed state-by-state.
How are states taxing social security?
Methods vary widely so check your state’s laws, but these are generally the ways states will tax Social Security:
- Age-based. For example, Coloradons under 65 may owe taxes on Social Security benefits but older people generally don’t.
- Income based. For example, Missouri taxes Social Security benefits only if your income tops $85,000, or $100,000 for married couples.
- Taxable income includes Social Security benefits. Minnesota and Utah follow federal rules to determine how much Social Security income is taxable: none for people with incomes below $25,000 for a single filer and $32,000 for a couple filing jointly, and up to 85% at higher income levels. Each though, offers either a deduction or credit to help offset the blow.
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Can I avoid taxes on Social Security?
The best way to avoid taxes on Social Security benefits is to limit your income by investing with a Roth IRA while saving. Roth IRA withdrawals aren’t counted as taxable income. They are tax-free.
You can also hope your state eliminates its tax on Social Security benefits, as has been the trend. West Virginia phased out its tax, with last year being the first year without it. Missouri has introduced a bill to eliminate the tax there that could go into effect next year if it passes.
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Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected] and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday morning.