Most retirement savers tend to focus on how much money they’re putting away for retirement and how much their investments are earning. These are certainly important factors when it comes to planning for a financially comfortable retirement. Show But there’s another critical, often overlooked, factor that’s just as important: taxes. Different states tax retirement, pension and Social Security income differently. There are also big differences in how states assess sales and use taxes and how localities assess sales and property taxes, especially on residential real estate. These differences in taxation could have a big impact on your retirement finances, especially when it comes to how long your retirement nest egg lasts. So it’s a good idea to do some research into state taxation before deciding where you’ll spend your golden years. State Taxation of Individual IncomeThere are currently seven states in which individual income is not subject to tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. In two other states — New Hampshire and Tennessee — only dividends and interest are subject to state taxes. The tax treatment of retirement income varies considerably in all the other states. For example, 401(k), IRA and pension income is exempt from state tax in Illinois, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. In Alabama and Hawaii, pension income is exempt from state tax but income from 401(k)s and IRAs isn’t. A number of states exempt or provide a credit for a portion of pension income — they include:
The state income tax rate is another important consideration. In Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota and Ohio, for example, marginal income tax rates are below 5 percent. Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania, meanwhile, each have flat tax rates below 5 percent. Conversely, the highest state income tax rates are in California (12.3%), Hawaii (11%), New York (10.9%), New Jersey (10.75%), the District of Columbia (10.75%), Oregon (9.9%), Minnesota (9.85%), Iowa (8.53%) and Wisconsin (7.65%). State Taxation of Pension and Social Security IncomeMeanwhile, 13 states and the District of Columbia fully tax pension income:
And 13 states also tax Social Security income:
Some of these states that tax Social Security income provide tax breaks for low-income couples and individuals. Also, West Virginia started phasing out state taxation of Social Security benefits starting in 2021. State, Local Sales and Use TaxesState income taxes aren’t the only taxes that can affect your income in retirement. State sales and local sales and use taxes can also take a bite out of your retirement finances. All states and the District of Columbia impose these taxes except Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. The highest state sales taxes are in California (7.25%), Indiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island and Tennessee (7.0% in each). On the flip side, the lowest state sales taxes are in Colorado (2.9%), Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, South Dakota and Wyoming (3.0% in each). Local sales and use taxes, meanwhile, are assessed by cities, counties and special taxing jurisdictions. These vary widely all across the country. State and Local Property TaxesState and local property taxes are another important factor to consider. The biggest property tax paid by most retirees is the annual tax paid on the value of their home. However, some states and local jurisdictions offer property tax exemptions, credits and abatements to retirees, such as an exemption from paying the school tax portion of their property taxes. Next Steps for YouRetirement tax planning can be complicated and the details vary from one individual or couple to the next. So be sure to talk to your tax advisor and personal financial planner for guidance in your specific situation. Managing your tax situation is a year-round — and life-long — endeavor. You can take a few actions now to get yourself on the right track.
Get Started with Personal Capital Personal Capital compensates Don Sadler (“Author”) for providing the content contained in this blog post. Compensation not to exceed $500. Author is not a client of Personal Capital Advisors Corporation. The content contained in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and is not meant to constitute legal, tax, accounting or investment advice. You should consult a qualified legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money. What is the most tax friendly state?Seven states do not collect tax on personal income, and Tennessee is poised to join the list:. Alaska.. Wyoming.. South Dakota.. Florida.. Texas.. Nevada.. Washington.. What are the most tax friendly states for federal retirees?The following states are exempt from income taxes on 401k, IRA, annuity, and pension income:. Florida.. Nevada.. New Hampshire.. South Dakota.. Tennessee.. Texas.. Washington.. Wyoming.. |