Inflation & Potential Social Security Tax Hits in 10 States

For many senior citizens in America, Social Security is a lifeline. Over 15 million Americans over 65 who are in poverty are lifted out of it each year by the program, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Social Security benefits may be extremely important to budgeting and retirement planning, even for individuals who are not below the poverty level.

It is crucial for many retirees to save as much of their Social Security payment as possible. Regretfully, there's a possibility that beneficiaries in ten states will have their benefits cut. A percentage of your Social Security benefits may be subject to income taxation by the state government, depending on your income.

The amount of your Social Security payments that may be subject to federal taxes depends on your "combined income," which is a measure used by the federal government. Your adjusted gross income plus any non-taxable interest income plus half of your Social Security income is your combined income. After then, benefits are taxable in accordance with the following table.

As you can see, those thresholds are really low. This is due to the fact that the combined income levels were set more than 30 years ago and have never been updated to account for inflation. As a result, avoiding paying Social Security taxes becomes increasingly difficult.

Should you fail to meticulously arrange your annual capital gains and retirement account withdrawals, you may find yourself facing a substantial tax burden on your Social Security income. But in 2024, things may get worse for seniors in ten states.

Social Security Benefits Taxed in 10 States for Certain Residents

1. Colorado

If a taxpayer under 65 has taxable benefits totaling more than $20,000 on their federal income tax return, they will owe state income taxes on the excess. Social Security benefits are tax-free for retirees who are 65 years of age or older. 4.4% is the flat state tax rate.

2. Connecticut

Connecticut may impose taxes on any Social Security income you report on your federal income tax return. Nevertheless, regardless of the percentage that appears on your federal return, the maximum amount is restricted to 50% of the benefits you have received. The tax rate is between 2.5% and 4.5%.

3. Kansas

If an individual's adjusted gross income surpasses $75,000, they will be responsible for paying state income taxes on any Social Security payments that are also liable to federal income tax. 5.7% is the highest income tax rate.

4. Minnesota

The maximum amount that taxpayers can deduct from their taxable income for Social Security payments is $4,560 for single filers and $5,840 for married couples filing jointly. The amount is phased out entirely at earnings of $78,000 or $100,000, respectively, and is lowered for residents whose combined incomes exceed $69,250 for single people or $88,630 for married couples. The range of tax rates is 6.8% to 9.85%.

5. Montana

State income tax is applicable to any Social Security income reported on your federal income tax return. 4.7% to 5.9% is the range of tax rates.

6. New Mexico

Taxpayers will be required to pay taxes on any Social Security income that is also subject to federal taxation if their adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000 for single taxpayers or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. 4.9% to 5.9% is the range of tax rates.

7. Rhode Island

Taxpayers who earn an adjusted gross income above $101,000 for single taxpayers or $126,250 for married couples filing jointly but are under the Social Security full retirement age will be required to pay taxes on any amount of Social Security income that is also reported on their federal income tax return. The tax rate is between 5.99% and 4.75%.

8. Utah

Taxpayers will be required to pay taxes on any Social Security income reported on their federal tax return if their adjusted gross income exceeds $45,000 for single taxpayers or $75,000 for married couples filing jointly. Individuals who fall below the cutoff might receive a credit to balance their taxes. There is a 4.65% tax rate.

9. Vermont

Taxpayers will be required to pay income tax on a minimum amount of any Social Security income reported on their federal income tax return if their adjusted gross income exceeds $50,000 for single taxpayers or $65,000 for married couples filing jointly. The tax rate is between 3.75 and 8.75%.

10. West Virginia

A percentage of Social Security income reported on a taxpayer's federal income tax return is subject to income tax if their adjusted gross income exceeds $50,000 for single taxpayers or $100,000 for married couples filing jointly. The tax rate is between 5.1% and 5.525%.