4 Taxes to Consider When Picking a Place to Retire
State and local taxes can have a big impact on your retirement budget.
No matter where you live in retirement, your federal taxes will be about the same if you take the standard deduction. Not so for state and local taxes.
Start with income tax. Seven states--Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming--have no state income tax whatsoever.
Next, consider taxes on Social Security. Thirteen states tax your retirement benefits to some degree.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Then there’s sales tax. Some states exempt food and medicine, while others famously have no sales tax at all. Some states will tax every dime you spend. Most states allow cities and counties to assess sales taxes, too.
Finally, weigh property taxes. Rates vary from state to state and even among cities in the same state. Luckily, many places offer retirees breaks on property taxes. It pays to check.
Taxes are just one aspect of a happy retirement, but they can be a costly one. Use Kiplinger’s state-by-state guide to taxes on retirees to help you evaluate potential retirement destinations. To give you a head start on your search we already identified the 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees. Take a look.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
How AI Can Be Used in Investing
It can't predict the future, but when used carefully, AI can be used in investing with stock picking, portfolio optimization and market analysis.
-
Dow, S&P 500 Extend Win Streaks to 8
Strong earnings results for Magnificent 7 stocks Microsoft and Meta fueled upside in the equities market.
-
Should You Rent in Retirement?
Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility and it frees up cash.
-
Tax Tips for Last-Minute Filers
Feature Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides a few tax tips for people filing close to 2022's deadline.
-
How to Achieve Your 2022 New Year's Resolutions
Brandon Copeland You've already made your New Year's resolutions. Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland explains how you can stick with them and accomplish them.
-
Santa's End-of-the-Year Finance Tips
Feature Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland shares a few ways you can improve your finances before 2022 gets here.
-
Best States to Move to in 2018 for Lower Taxes
Feature Where you live and work can have a big tax impact on your paycheck.
-
Where to Retire in Florida
Feature Some cities in the Sunshine State are better suited for retirees than others.
-
3 Better Investments Than Powerball
Feature Buying Powerball and Mega Millions tickets is no substitute for sound financial planning.
-
Best Bank Accounts for Retirement
Feature These checking accounts offer attractive perks to retirees.