16 states have no tax on pension income in 2026: the 9 states with no income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, NH, SD, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) plus Illinois, Iowa (55+), Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Michigan (2026 new law). Another dozen states offer partial exemptions.
At a glance
Key Facts
States with No Pension Tax (Full Exemption)
16 states in 2026: 9 no-income-tax states + IL, IA (55+), MI (new 2026), MS, PA, plus AL for government/military pensions
Notable 2026 Change
Michigan: $65,987 deduction (single) / $131,794 (MFJ) effectively exempts most retirement income
States with Partial Exemptions
Georgia ($65k/person 65+), Maine (~$48,216), Maryland ($40,600 65+), New York ($20k 59+), South Carolina ($10k 65+)
States That Fully Tax Pensions
California, Minnesota, Vermont, Oregon, Connecticut, and others
Social Security vs Pension Tax
42 states don't tax SS; only 16 fully exempt all pension income — these are not the same list
Introduction
Where you receive your pension can mean a difference of thousands of dollars per year in state income tax. Sixteen states fully exempt pension income in 2026 — nine because they have no income tax at all, and seven more because their income tax laws specifically carve out qualified retirement income. For retirees with significant pension income, choosing the right state for retirement can save $3,000–$15,000 per year in state taxes.
This guide provides a complete state-by-state breakdown: which states are fully tax-free for pension income, which offer partial exemptions, and which states fully tax pensions at ordinary income rates. It also covers the important distinction between private pensions, government pensions, and military retirement — which are often treated differently. Use the Retirement Income Tax by State Calculator to compare states with your specific pension amount.
Section 01
The 16 States with Full Pension Exemption in 2026
The following states have no state income tax on pension income in 2026:
State
Why Pensions Are Exempt
Note
Alaska
No state income tax
No income tax of any kind
Florida
No state income tax
No income tax of any kind
Nevada
No state income tax
No income tax of any kind
New Hampshire
No state income tax on income
Tax on interest/dividends being phased out; fully gone by 2025
South Dakota
No state income tax
No income tax of any kind
Tennessee
No state income tax
No income tax of any kind
Texas
No state income tax
Constitutionally protected
Washington
No state income tax
No income tax of any kind
Wyoming
No state income tax
No income tax of any kind
Illinois
Qualified pension income exempt
4.95% flat rate on wages; pensions/IRA/401k exempt
Iowa
Qualified pension income exempt (55+)
Must be age 55 or older, disabled, or a surviving spouse
Michigan
$65,987 deduction (single) in 2026
New under Public Act 4 of 2023; full phase-in complete 2026
Mississippi
Qualified retirement income exempt
Fully exempt for qualified retirement plans
Pennsylvania
Pension income exempt
Note: early withdrawal before 59½ may be taxed
Source: State revenue department websites; Kiplinger 2026 state retirement tax guide.
Section 02
States with Partial Pension Exemptions
Many states offer meaningful partial exemptions that significantly reduce — but don't eliminate — pension income tax:
State
Exemption
Conditions
Georgia
$65,000 per person (65+); $35,000 (62–64)
Also covers IRA, 401k, dividends, capital gains
Maine
~$48,216 (2025 figure; 2026 similar)
Reduced by SS/railroad retirement received; income phaseout starts $125k single
Maryland
$40,600 for taxpayers 65+
Maryland Pension Exclusion for retirees with qualifying pension income
New York
$20,000 for taxpayers 59½+
Applies to pension and annuity income
South Carolina
$10,000 (65+); $3,000 (under 65)
Plus separate $15,000 senior deduction at 65+
Alabama
Full exemption for government/military; partial for private
State and federal government pensions fully exempt; private pension taxed
Section 03
Michigan's 2026 Change: A Near-Full Exemption for All Retirees
Michigan's Public Act 4 of 2023 is the most significant 2026 change in retirement income taxation. After a phased implementation based on birth year (2023–2025), 2026 marks the first year all Michigan retirees — regardless of age — can claim the full retirement income deduction.
The 2026 deduction amounts:
Single filers: $65,987
Married filing jointly: $131,794
Public safety retirees (police, firefighters, etc.): unlimited deduction
For most Michigan retirees with typical pension and IRA income, this effectively eliminates Michigan income tax on retirement distributions. Michigan's flat income tax rate remains 4.05%, but it applies only to income above the deduction amount. Deferred compensation plans (457b accounts) are excluded from the deduction — an important exception for government workers.
The following states (among others) tax pension income at ordinary income rates, with few or no special exemptions for retirement distributions:
California: 1%–13.3% on all pension, IRA, and 401k income (Social Security exempt). The highest-income-tax state in the US.
Oregon: 4.75%–9.9% on pensions and retirement account withdrawals (Social Security exempt)
Minnesota: Progressive rates up to 9.85% on most retirement income
Vermont: Up to 8.75% on pensions; partial Social Security exemption below $45k AGI
Connecticut: Taxes pension income; partial Social Security exemption
For high-income retirees in these states, the annual tax burden can be substantial. A retiree with $150,000 in California (mostly pension income) might owe $12,000–$15,000 in California income tax annually.
Section 06
Worked Example: $60k Pension in 5 Different States
How much state income tax does a single retiree aged 67 pay on a $60,000 annual pension with $0 Social Security?
Pension Tax vs Social Security Tax: Not the Same List
An important point of confusion: the 42 states that don't tax Social Security and the 16 states that fully exempt pensions are not the same list. Social Security exemptions are more common. Oregon, for example, exempts Social Security but fully taxes pensions. Connecticut exempts Social Security below a threshold but taxes pensions. When planning retirement income tax, you need to look at both your Social Security and your pension treatment separately.
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Which states have no tax on pension income in 2026?
16 states have no tax on pension income in 2026: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming (because they have no income tax), plus Illinois, Iowa (for retirees 55+), Michigan (with the new $65,987 single / $131,794 MFJ deduction), Mississippi, and Pennsylvania. Alabama also fully exempts government and military pensions.
Q
Does Illinois tax pension income?
No. Illinois exempts qualified employee benefit plan income — including pensions, IRA distributions, and 401(k) distributions — from its 4.95% flat income tax. Illinois taxes wages and most other income at 4.95%, but retirement distributions from qualified plans are fully exempt. This makes Illinois significantly more retirement-friendly than its income tax rate alone would suggest.
Q
Does Pennsylvania tax pension income?
Pennsylvania generally does not tax pension income from qualified retirement plans, including traditional pensions, IRA distributions, and 401(k) distributions. However, early withdrawals taken before age 59½ may not qualify for the pension exemption and could be taxable. Pennsylvania's flat income tax rate is 3.07%, one of the lowest in states that have income tax.
Q
What states partially exempt pension income?
Notable states with partial pension exemptions include: Georgia (up to $65,000/person for ages 65+, $35,000 for ages 62–64), Maine (approximately $48,216 minus Social Security received), Maryland ($40,600 for taxpayers 65+), New York ($20,000 for taxpayers 59½+), and South Carolina ($10,000 for those 65+). Several other states offer smaller deductions or income-tested exemptions.
Q
Does Michigan still tax pension income in 2026?
Michigan dramatically reduced its pension tax burden in 2026 under Public Act 4 of 2023. All Michigan retirees can now deduct $65,987 (single) or $131,794 (MFJ) of retirement income from Michigan state income tax. Public safety retirees have an unlimited deduction. For most retirees with typical pension and IRA income, Michigan's effective retirement income tax is now near zero. The 4.05% flat rate applies only to income above the deduction amount.
Q
What's the difference between pension tax and Social Security tax by state?
They are different and the exemption lists overlap but don't match. 42 states don't tax Social Security, but only 16 states fully exempt all pension income. Oregon, for example, exempts Social Security but fully taxes pensions at up to 9.9%. Connecticut exempts Social Security below a threshold but taxes pensions. Always check both your Social Security treatment and your pension/IRA treatment separately when comparing states.
Q
Which state is best for retirement pension income?
For pension income specifically, the best states are those with no income tax (Florida, Texas, Nevada, etc.) or full pension exemptions (Illinois, Mississippi, Pennsylvania). Among states with income tax, Georgia offers the best package at moderate income levels: up to $65,000/person excluded for those 65+, plus Social Security exempt, at a 4.99% flat rate. Michigan is now also near the top after its 2026 law change.
Q
Do all states treat government and private pensions the same way?
No. Several states distinguish between government, military, and private pensions. Alabama fully exempts state and federal government pensions but taxes private pensions. Kansas exempts state and local government pensions. Illinois, Georgia, and Pennsylvania treat all qualified pensions equally regardless of source. Before planning a retirement move, check whether your specific type of pension is covered by the exemption in your target state.
Disclaimer:This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws are complex, vary by individual circumstances, and are subject to change. Always verify current rates with official state tax authorities and consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.