Which states don’t tax military retirement pay?
You may be surprised to learn that 25 states do not tax any of your military retirement pay, while 19 states offer special considerations for military retirement income or other pension plans. That leaves only 7 states that offer no special tax treatment of military pensions. (Washington D.C. is included in these facts).
Since I couldn’t find a website with detailed, state-by-state tax information on the whole income picture, I decided to create my own. Where applicable, I try to include links to the relevant state website, so you can double-check this information whenever you want. Keep in mind this was accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change based on state laws.
How State Taxes Impact Your Financial Planning
Understanding your taxes is a big part of financial planning, whether you are in the midst of your career, or you are reaching your retirement years. Which parts of your income and how much they are taxed can have a large impact on your financial planning and goals. That is why we put together this list of states that tax military retirement pay.
However, when you’re deciding where to live after leaving the military, taxes on military pensions are only one part of the equation. It’s also important to consider taxes on the rest of your income. Understanding the big picture can help your military retirement pay go further.
Many states have multiple income tax brackets, based upon taxable income. However, this article only contains the highest marginal individual tax bracket. For a true side-by-side comparison on tax liability, you might want to run the numbers yourself. If you are planning a more complex post-retirement career, such as owning your own business, you may want to sit down with a tax professional or fee-only financial planner for more detailed tax planning.
State Taxes on Military Retirement Pay – Full Table
The following table shows state income taxes on military retirement pay, including which states have no state income tax, which states exempt military pension income from state taxes, which states offer special tax treatments for military pensions, and which states tax military retirement pay as ordinary income. The sections below the table offer further details on state income taxes.
State | Military Retirement Pay State Income Tax Info |
---|---|
Alabama | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Alaska | No State Income Tax |
Arizona | Up to $2,500 in military retirement pay can be exempted from taxable income. |
Arkansas | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
California | No Special Tax Treatment of Military Retirement Pay |
Colorado | The following military pension amounts can be excluded from Colorado income, based upon age: $20,000 (55-64); $24,000 (65+) |
Connecticut | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Delaware | The following military pension amounts can be excluded from Delaware income, based upon age: $2,000 (Under 60); $12,500 (60+) |
Florida | No State Income Tax |
Georgia | No Special Tax Treatment of Military Retirement Pay |
Hawaii | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Idaho | Military pensions are partially exempted according to the following table: - Married Filing Jointly (must be either 65+ or 62+ and disabled): $47,934 - Single (must be either 65+ or 62+ and disabled): $31,956 |
Illinois | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Indiana | First $6,250 is tax-free. 25% of the amount above this is tax-free in 2019, followed by an increase to 50% in 2020, 75% in 2021, and 100% in 2022 and subsequent years. |
Iowa | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Kansas | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Kentucky | Military pensions are fully exempt if you retired before 1997. Personnel retiring after 1997 are subject to taxation to the extent their pension exceeds $41,110. |
Louisiana | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Maine | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Maryland | Retirees are able to exclude the first $5,000 ($15,000 if 55 and older) of their military pension benefits. |
Massachusetts | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Michigan | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Minnesota | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Mississippi | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Missouri | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Montana | No Special Tax Treatment of Military Retirement Pay |
Nebraska | Special provisions apply. See Note under Nebraska for more details. |
Nevada | No State Income Tax |
New Hampshire | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
New Jersey | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
New Mexico | Exemption may be allowed for low-income retirees. |
New York | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
North Carolina | Up to $4,000 is exempt from North Carolina income tax. |
North Dakota | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Ohio | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Oklahoma | Retired servicemembers may deduct the greater of $10,000 or 75% of their retirement income from Oklahoma income tax. |
Oregon | You may subtract your pension from Oregon income tax to the extent it was earned before October 1, 1991. If all of your service was after October 1, 1991, your entire pension is taxable. |
Pennsylvania | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Rhode Island | No Special Tax Treatment of Military Retirement Pay |
South Carolina | Military pensions can be deducted in the following amounts: Under 65: $17,500 per year; Age 65+: $30,000 per year |
South Dakota | No State Income Tax |
Tennessee | No State Income Tax on Earnings or Pensions |
Texas | No State Income Tax |
Utah | Utah taxes military pensions. People over 65 may be eligible for a $450 (single) or $900 (married filing jointly) exclusion. However, income phaseouts apply. |
Vermont | No Special Tax Treatment of Military Retirement Pay |
Virginia | No Special Tax Treatment of Military Retirement Pay |
Washington | No State Income Tax |
Washington D.C. | Military retirees 62 and older are allowed to deduct up to $3,000 of their public pension. |
West Virginia | The first $2,000 in pension income can be excluded. |
Wisconsin | Military Retirement Pay Exempt |
Wyoming | No State Income Tax |
States with No Income Tax
There are 9 states that have no state income tax*.
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (institutes tax on interest and dividends)*
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (institutes tax on interest and dividends; this is being phased out by 2022)*
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
* New Hampshire and Tennessee tax citizens on interest and dividends, but do not tax regular earned income or pension income. Taxes on interest and dividends represent a small amount of taxes for most taxpayers in these states.
States That Don’t Tax Military Retirement Pay
The following 15 states have a state income tax, but exempt military retirement pay, and/or pension income from state income taxes. See the next section for more details regarding each state’s highest marginal tax bracket and special tax treatment for military retirement income.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
States that Fully Tax Military Retirement Pay
The following states offer no special tax treatment for military retirement pensions:
- California
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
Highest Marginal Tax Rates By State & Military Pension Tax Rates
This section covers the highest state income tax bracket, as well as more details regarding taxation on military retirement pay. You will note that several of the states that offer special considerations for military retirement pay or other pensions often do so by age, usually somewhere in the age 60-65 range, depending on state. Age 60 is the normal age for receiving Guard and Reserve retirement benefits, though some members do qualify to receive retirement pay early based on deployments. You can use this information to help plan your post-military career or your post-military retirement plans.
Alabama
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5% for income above $3,000 (individuals) or $6,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Exempt from taxes on military retirement pay.
Alaska
- No state income tax.
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
Arizona
- Highest marginal tax rate: 4.54% for income above $150,000 (individuals) or $300,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Up to $2,500 in military retirement pay can be exempted from taxable income.
Arkansas
- Highest marginal tax rate: 7.0% (for income above $35,300–as of 2015). (more info).
- No taxes on military retirement pay. Up to $6,000 in other retirement pensions can be exempted from taxable income.
California
- Highest marginal tax rate: 13.3% for income above $537,498 (single) and $1,074,996 (married filing jointly).
- Military pension is fully taxable.
Colorado
- Highest marginal tax rate: 4.63% for all income, regardless of filing status. (more info).
- The following military pension amounts can be excluded from Colorado income, based upon age:
- $20,000 (55-64)
- $24,000 (65+)
Connecticut
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6.99% for income above $500,000 (single) and $1,000,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pension is fully exempt from taxes.
Delaware
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6.6% for income above $60,000 regardless of status. (more info).
- The following military pension amounts can be excluded from Delaware income, based upon age:
- $2,000 (Under 60)
- $12,500 (60+)
Florida
- No state income tax.
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
Georgia
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6.0% for income above $7,000 (single) or $10,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pensions are fully taxable.
Hawaii
- Highest marginal tax rate: 11.0% for income above $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly).
- Military pensions are fully exempt.
Idaho
- Highest marginal tax rate: 7.4% for income above $10,905 (single) or $21,810 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pensions are partially exempted according to the following table:
- Married Filing Jointly (must be either 65+ or 62+ and disabled): $47,934
- Single (must be either 65+ or 62+ and disabled): $31,956
Illinois
- Highest marginal tax rate: 4.95% for all taxpayers. (more info).
- Military pensions are fully exempt.
Indiana
- Highest marginal tax rate: 3.3% for all taxpayers. (more info).
- Military retirees are allowed to deduct up to $6,2500 of their pension.
- The state of Indiana will phase out income taxes on military retirement pay over a 4 year period, starting with 2019 taxes. 25% of the amount above $6,250 will be tax-exempt in 2019, followed by 50% in 2020, 75% in 2021, and the full amount in 2020.
- This exemption does not extend to retirees of the U.S. Public Health Service or the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Iowa
- Highest marginal tax rate: 8.98% for income above $95,600, regardless of filing status. (more info).
- Military pensions are fully exempt.
Kansas
- Highest marginal tax rate: 4.6% for income above $15,000 (single) or $30,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pensions are fully exempt.
Kentucky
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6% for income above $75,000 regardless of status. (more info).
- Military pensions are fully exempt if you retired before 1997. Personnel retiring after 1997 are subject to taxation to the extent their pension exceeds $41,110.
Louisiana
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6% for income above $50,000 (single) or $100,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pension benefits may be excluded from taxable income.
Maine
- Highest marginal tax rate: 7.95% for income above $20,900 (single) or $41,850 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pension benefits are exempt from Maine income tax.
Maryland
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5.75% for income above $250,000 (single) or $300,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Retirees are able to exclude the first $5,000 ($15,000 if 55 and older) of their military pension benefits.
Massachusetts
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5.1% for all income, regardless of tax bracket or status. (more info).
- Military pensions are exempt from Massachusetts income tax.
Michigan
- Highest marginal tax rate: 4.25% for all income, regardless of tax bracket or status. (more info).
- Military pensions are exempt from Michigan income tax.
Minnesota
- Highest marginal tax rate: 9.85% for income above $154,950 (single) or $258,261 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pensions are exempt from Minnesota income tax.
Mississippi
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5.0% for income above $10,000 regardless of status. (more info).
- Military pensions are exempt from Mississippi income tax.
Missouri
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6.0% for income above $9,000 regardless of status. (more info).
- Military pensions are exempt from Missouri income tax.
Montana
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6.9% for income above $17,100 regardless of status. (more info).
- Military pensions are subject to Montana state tax.
Nebraska
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6.84% for income above $29,460 (single) or $58,920 (married filing jointly). (more info).
Military retirees who retire after July 18, 2012, are allowed to exclude pension income according to one of the following two schedules:
An individual must make the election on or after July 18, 2014, and within two years after his or her retirement from the uniformed services, even if he or she does not begin receiving military retirement benefits immediately upon retirement. The individual may elect:
- Option 1: To exclude 40% of his or her military retirement benefit income for seven consecutive taxable years, beginning with the year in which the election is made; or
- Option 2: To exclude 15% of his or her military retirement benefit income for all taxable years, beginning with the year in which he or she turns 67 years of age.
Nevada
- No state income tax.
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
New Hampshire
- Highest tax rate: 5% on interest and dividend income. There is no individual income tax on W-2 pay. (more info).
- Military pensions are exempt from New Hampshire income tax.
New Jersey
- Highest marginal tax rate: 8.97% regardless of filing status. (more info).
- No taxes on military retirement pay in New Jersey.
New Mexico
- Highest marginal tax rate: 4.9% for income above $16,000 (single) or $24,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Exemption may be allowed for low-income retirees.
New York
- Highest marginal tax rate: 8.82% for income above $1062,650 (single) or $2,125,450 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- No taxes on military retirement income in New York.
North Carolina
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5.85% for all taxpayers, regardless of status. (more info).
- Military retirees with 5 years of creditable service before August 12, 1989, are exempt from state income taxes on military retirement pay or military survivors benefits.
- Military retirees without 5 years of military service before August 12, 1989, are exempt from up to $4,000 ($8,000 for joint tax returns) on military retirement pay or military survivors benefits.
- More about North Carolina income tax.
North Dakota
- Highest marginal tax rate: 2.9% for income above $413,000 (single) or $420,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pensions are fully exempt, starting in the 2019 tax year.
- This exemption does not extend to retirees of the U.S. Public Health Service or the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Ohio
- Highest marginal tax rate: 4.997% for income above $208,500 regardless of status. (more info).
- Military pensions are fully exempt from Ohio income tax.
Oklahoma
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5.25% for income above $15,000 (single) or $27,600 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Retired servicemembers may deduct the greater of $10,000 or 75% of their retirement income from Oklahoma income tax.
Oregon
- Highest marginal tax rate: 9.9% for income above $125,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- You may subtract your pension from Oregon income tax to the extent it was earned before October 1, 1991. If all of your service was after October 1, 1991, your entire pension is taxable.
Pennsylvania
- Highest marginal tax rate: 3.07% for all income regardless of filing status. (more info).
- Pennsylvania does not tax military pension income.
Rhode Island
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5.99% for income above $137,650 regardless of filing status. (more info).
- Military pensions are fully taxable.
South Carolina
- Highest marginal tax rate: 7.0% for income above $14,700 (single) or $15,400 (married filing jointly). (more info).
- Military pensions can be deducted in the following amounts:
- Under 65: $17,500 per year
- Age 65+: $30,000 per year
South Dakota
- No state income tax.
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
Tennessee
- No state income tax on earnings or pensions. There is a 5% tax on interest & dividend income above $1,250 (single) or $2,500 (married filing jointly).
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
Texas
- No state income tax.
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
Utah
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5% for all income regardless of filing status. (more info).
- Utah taxes military pensions. People over 65 may be eligible for a $450 (single) or $900 (married filing jointly) exclusion. However, income phaseouts apply.
Vermont
- Highest marginal tax rate: 8.95% for income above $411,500 regardless of filing status. (more info).
- Military pensions are fully taxable.
Virginia
- Highest marginal tax rate: 5.75% for income above $17,000 regardless of filing status. (more info).
- Military pensions are fully taxable.
Washington
- No state income tax.
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
Washington D.C.
- Highest Marginal Tax rate: 8.95% for income above $1,000,000. (more info).
- Military retirees 62 and older are allowed to deduct up to $3,000 of their public pension. Private pensions are not exempt from deductions.
West Virginia
- Highest marginal tax rate: 6.5% for income above $30,000 (married filing separately) or $60,000 (single or married filing jointly). (more info).
- The first $2,000 in pension income can be excluded.
Wisconsin
- Highest marginal tax rate: 7.65% for income above $244,750 (single) or $326,330 (married filing jointly).
- Military pensions are fully exempt.
Wyoming
- No state income tax.
- No taxes on military retirement pay.
Other Notes About Military Retirement Pay & Taxes
Military retirees pay federal taxes on retirement pay. However, there are situations that may impact your retirement pay. One common situation is receiving VA disability compensation due to a service-connected disability rating. Va disability compensation is a non-taxable benefit. However, receiving disability compensation can impact your retirement pay. Military retirees who have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher receive Concurrent Receipt. This has no impact on military retirement pay.
Those with a service-connected disability rating of 40% or less are ineligible for concurrent receipt, and have their military pension reduced by the amount of disability compensation they receive from the VA. The amount from the VA is non-taxable. The net effect is to receive the same amount of income. however, the portion from the VA is tax-exempt, which lowers your effective taxable income. There may be exceptions for retirees receiving Combat Related Special Compensation, or CRSC.
I hope this article helps you to find the tax information you need as you look to make your relocation decision. Just remember, taxes are only a small factor in your relocation decision. You should take a look at all the different priorities in your life and make the relocation decision that best suits you.
Comments:
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Michael Grimmett says
West Virginia no longer taxes military retirement effective January 1, 2018.
Neil O'Connor says
I retired to NY in 2016 with a Marine reserve pension starting in 2015. Effective tax year 2018, only the first $20,000 remains free from NY State taxes. (“annuity income exclusion” Unless I’m doing my taxes wrong — I use H&R Block TaxCut.) Regardless, I can’t find a clear answer in NY State tax pubs; ref: Publication 361, and Publication 36
Ryan Guina says
Hello Neil, page 7 of Publication 361 states the following, “Military pension payments received by retired military personnel or their
beneficiaries are totally exempt from New York State tax.”
So it appears to me as though your pay should be tax-exempt at the state level. I would speak with a tax professional in your state or contact the state tax authority for more information.
Steve says
North Dakota Gov Doug Burgum passed a bill in April 2019 now exempting military pensions from state income tax.
Bonnie St Cyr says
My husband retired from the Army. Residing in MD. He passed away in Jan. of this year. I am receiving SBP payments. The payment statement shows no MD state tax witholdings. Does MD tax SBP?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Bonnie, I am sorry for your loss. Most states treat Survivor Benefit Pay as military retirement pay. So in the case of MD, they tax military retirement pay at the following schedule (as of 2019) – “Retirees are able to exclude the first $5,000 ($15,000 if 55 and older) of their military pension benefits.”
You can always contact DFAS or a tax professional for more information. I wish you the best.
Angie Barber says
In contacting NC on July 8 2019 the $4000 exclusion is no longer valid for those not meeting the 5 year rule for the Bailey Settlement. Their instructions for line 10 have been updated to remove that amount.
Bob Foessett says
I understand WV effective Jan 2018, does NOT tax military retirement pay. I read the story when the Governor signed it…many military retirees are moving to the panhandle counties near DC where they can use military facilities too. Please check out. Thanks. RF, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
Van Bell says
Thank you for taking the time to put all this information together. Especially with the additional updates you have been making. Very much appreciated.
Mike Barbour says
Ryan,
The info in the Maryland breakout is correct; however, the infi in the table is dated. Thanks for the post – it’s very informative.
Ryan Guina says
Thanks, Mike. Updated to reflect the change. Thank you for the notification and thank you for your service!
Ana M Hambright says
My husband retired with 20 years in the Navy. Residing in Texas. My question he passed away November 28, 2018. How do I check if I am due any back taxes paid. I do t know if he had CRSC or CRDC. What or can I get information on this even though he passed away in 2018. Just trying to check my benefits.
Cecilia Duncan says
Contact DFAS INDIANAPOLIS retired pay at 866.912.6488
kevin says
Maryland now exempts the first $15 K
Ryan Guina says
Thank you for the update, Kevin. I just verified with the Maryland tax website. It is $5,000 for those under age 55, and $15,000 for those age 55 and up. We have updated the article accordingly. Thank you!
Lee says
You’re slightly incorrect on North Carolina . According to Bailey vs North Carolina, if you had 5 years of creditable service prior to 8/12/1989, your military retirement is tax free. Otherwise the $4000 limit is correct.
Ryan Guina says
Thank you, Lee. We have updated our article accordingly. The interesting thing is the North Carolina website did not have this listed on their income tax relief page. I had to dig to find this information. I appreciate the head’s up!
Chuck says
If you joined and retired after 89’ what does it mean then?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Chuck, it means that the first $4,000 ($8,000 for joint tax returns) of retirement pay is exempt from state taxes. The rest of your retirement pay is subject to state taxes.
Russell Jemalh Hogan says
Mk,
That’s really good to hear. Thanks for sharing.
Russell Jemalh Hogan says
Thomas,
You military income would still be taxed.
Sean G says
I’m under the impression Arkansas no longer taxes military retirement?
Ryan Guina says
Thank you for the update, Sean. You are correct, that change was made as of the 2018 tax year. We have updated this article accordingly. Thank you!
Thomas Barry says
Someone told me that if you retired from the military and the VA rated you as 100% disabled then not only is your VA disability check not subject to Federal Income Tax but your Military Retirement Check is exempted from Federal Income Tax too. Does anyone know if this is correct?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Thomas, no I have not heard of this. VA disability compensation is always exempt from federal taxes. Military retirement pay is generally always taxed at the federal level. However, military retirees who are eligible for Combat Related Special Compensation, or CRSC, may be eligible to have a portion of their military retirement pay exempt from federal taxes. CRSC must be applied for through the military retiree’s branch of service.
MK Clark says
Pa’s always been a haven for retired military members. Besides retirement pay tax exempt, retirees are well taken care of. My parents for one settled at Alden Place in Lebanon Pa and has since received one of the best medical treatment from Lebanon VA Medical Center, which is quite famous among veterans in the country.