Alaska: The Tax-Friendliest State for Retirement
The cold-weather destination offers a warm welcome to retirees.
Retirees have special concerns when it comes to taxes. Does the state tax Social Security benefits? Are there property tax breaks for seniors? The answers can have a big impact on a fixed income.
We analyzed the tax policies of all 50 states and the District of Columbia to identify the tax-friendliest state for retirement. Surprisingly, our top pick isn’t Florida or Arizona, though both earn high marks. You need to head north—way north—to find the best state for taxes on retirees. It’s Alaska.
The Last Frontier isn’t a natural choice for retirement, but perhaps it should be. Yes, it’s cold. But it’s also a haven for outdoorsy types and the scenery is spectacular. As for taxes, there’s no state sales tax, estate tax, inheritance tax or income tax.
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.
Alaska residents enjoy an added bonus: a cut of the state’s oil riches. The annual dividend check topped $2,000 in 2015.
Check out 14 more high-ranking states for taxes on retirees.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
In his former role as Senior Online Editor, David edited and wrote a wide range of content for Kiplinger.com. With more than 20 years of experience with Kiplinger, David worked on numerous Kiplinger publications, including The Kiplinger Letter and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. He co-hosted Your Money's Worth, Kiplinger's podcast and helped develop the Economic Forecasts feature.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Soars Ahead of Tesla Earnings
The EV stock rose nearly 2% ahead of its highly anticipated Q1 earnings report, due after tonight's close.
By Karee Venema Published
-
GM Stock Accelerates After Earnings Beat
General Motors beat expectations for the first quarter and raised its outlook for the year. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Georgia Has a New 2024 Income Tax Rate
Tax Cuts Georgians now have a tax package containing income tax cuts, childcare relief, and potential property tax caps.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
A Bunch of IRS Tax Deductions and Credits You Need to Know
Tax Breaks Lowering your taxable income is the key to paying less to the IRS. Several federal tax credits and deductions can help.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Don’t Miss This $2,500 Tax Break for Paying Your Student Loan
Tax Deductions Do you qualify for the student loan interest deduction this year?
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
Six Tax Breaks That Get Better With Age
Tax Breaks Depending on your age, several tax credits, deductions, and amounts change — sometimes for the better.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Biden Proposes New Homebuyer Tax Credits
Tax Credits President Biden is calling for new middle-class tax breaks including a mortgage tax credit.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Will Florida Property Tax Be Eliminated?
Property Taxes A new proposal is raising questions about revenue generation in the Sunshine State.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
States That Won't Tax Your EV
State Tax Most states impose additional fees on electric vehicles, but these states don’t penalize EV owners, and some also offer other tax incentives.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Tax Season is Here: Big IRS Tax Changes to Know Before You File
Tax Filing Tax deductions, tax credit amounts, and some tax laws have changed for the 2024 tax filing season.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated