10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Retirees

10. Texas Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: None
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 8.2%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,599 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: None

You might be surprised to see the Lone Star State on the list of least tax-friendly states for retirees. After all, isn't Texas one of the handful of states with no income tax? Well, yes, it's true that there are no income taxes in Texas...which means no taxes on Social Security benefits, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, or any other type of retirement income. But a lot of states don't tax these types of retirement income anyway (or at least partially exempt them), so states without any income tax don't necessarily have an advantage over other states when it comes to taxes on seniors.

Texas' main problem is with its property taxes. The state's median property tax rate is the seventh-highest in the country. For our hypothetical retired couples, that means an estimated annual property tax bill of $3,998 for the couple with the $250,000 home and $5,597 for the couple with the $350,000 home. On the bright side, seniors may be able to get a $10,000 property tax exemption, have their tax bill "frozen," or delay payment of taxes.

Sales taxes are on the high end in Texas, too. The state imposes a 6.25% tax, but local governments can tack on up to 2% more. When combined, the average state and local sales tax rate in Texas is 8.2%, which is the 14th-highest combined rate in the country.

For more information on these and other Texas state and local taxes, see the Texas State Tax Guide.

9. Wisconsin Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 3.54% (on taxable income up to $12,760 for single filers; up to $17,010 for joint filers) to 7.65% (on taxable income over $280,950 for single filers; over $374,600 for joint filers)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 5.43%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,510 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: None

The Badger State suffers from weak income tax breaks for retirement income and high property taxes. While Social Security benefits aren't subject to Wisconsin's income taxes, income from pensions and annuities, along with distributions from IRAs and 401(k) plans, are generally taxable. Seniors can subtract up to $5,000 of retirement income (including distributions from IRAs) from Wisconsin taxable income if their federal adjusted gross income is less than $15,000 ($30,000 for a married couple filing jointly). But that exclusion is comparatively small and is only available to retirees with a relatively low income.

Property taxes are the eighth-highest in the U.S. For our hypothetical couple with a $250,000 home in Wisconsin, estimated property taxes would be about $3,775 per year. The make-believe couple with a $350,000 home would have to cough up about $5,285 each year for taxes. Plus, there are only limited property tax breaks for retirees. For instance, unlike younger taxpayers, residents age 62 or older don't need earned income to claim an income tax credit for property taxes paid. Property tax deferral loans are also available for seniors with incomes under $20,000.

There are some bright spots for retirees, though. For example, sales taxes are actually low in Wisconsin. It has the ninth-lowest combined average state and local tax rate in the nation. There are no estate or inheritance taxes, either.

For more information on these and other Wisconsin state and local taxes, see the Wisconsin State Tax Guide.

8. Nebraska Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 2.46% (on taxable income up to $3,440 for single filers; up to $6,860 for joint filers) to 6.84% (on taxable income over $33,180 for single filers; over $66,360 for joint filers)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 6.94%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,509 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: Inheritance tax

Nebraska is one of the least tax-friendly states in the nation for retirees primarily because of steep income and property taxes (although the income tax burden is on it's way down). With regard to the state's income tax system, the Cornhusker State taxes some Social Security benefits, although taxpayers can chose to deduct 40% of Social Security benefits included in federal AGI for the 2022 tax year (the percentage will gradually rise to 100% by 2025). Most other retirement income is also taxed, including IRA withdrawals, 401(k) funds, and public and private pensions (although military pensions are fully exempt). Plus, the top income tax rate kicks in pretty quickly: For 2022, it applies to taxable income above $33,180 for single filers and $66,360 for married couples filing jointly. However, beginning in 2023, the top rate is gradually reduced according to the following schedule: 6.64% in 2023, 6.44% in 2024, 6.24% in 2025, 6% in 2026, and 5.84% in 2027 and thereafter. That will help many retirees.

Nebraska's inheritance tax ranges from 1% to 15%. The tax on heirs who are immediate relatives is only 1% and does not apply to property that is worth less than $100,000. For remote relatives, the tax rate is 11% and the exemption amount is $40,000. For all other heirs, the tax is imposed at an 15% rate on property worth $25,000 or more. However, regardless of the heir's relationship to the decedent, the state's inheritance tax doesn't apply to heirs 21 years of age or younger.

The median property tax rate in Nebraska is pretty high. For a $250,000 home, the statewide average tax in the state is $3,773 per year. It's $5,282 for a $350,000 residence. Those totals are the ninth-highest property tax amounts in country for homes at those price points. People over age 65 with income less than a certain amount may qualify for a homestead exemption that blocks all or a portion of their property's value from taxation.

The state sales tax rate is 5.5%, but local jurisdictions can add an additional 2.5% to the state rate. The average combined state and local sales tax rate is 6.94%, which is in the middle of the pack when compared to other states.

For more information on these and other Nebraska state and local taxes, see the Nebraska State Tax Guide.

7. Iowa Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 0.33% (on taxable income up to $1,743) to 8.53% (on taxable income over $78,435)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 6.94%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,501 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: Inheritance tax

Like a few other states, Iowa's spot on our list of the least tax-friendly states for retirees is primarily based on high property taxes. The statewide median property tax rate in Iowa is the 10th-highest in the U.S. Our imaginary couple with a $250,000 home in the state would fork out about $3,753 per year in real property taxes. The couple with a $350,000 home could expect to pay about $5,254 annually. To help ease the financial pain, a modest property tax credit is available to lower-income seniors.

On the income tax front, Social Security benefits are tax-free. Currently, there's also a $6,000 exclusion ($12,000 for joint filers) for most types of federally-taxed retirement income for people 55 years of age or older. However, when compared to some of the tax breaks for retirement income available in other states, Iowa's current exclusion doesn't look all that generous. As a result, income taxes for retirees in the state can be a little on the high end, especially for wealthier residents. But this will change starting in 2023, when (1) the state rates begin to be lowered and ultimately end with a 3.9% flat rate starting in 2026, and (2) 100% of retirement income is exempt for taxpayers who are at least 55 years old.

Sales taxes in Iowa are middle-of-the-road. The state rate is 6%, and localities can add as much as 1%. The average combined state and local rate is 6.94%. That puts Iowa in the middle of the pack when it comes to overall sales tax rates.

The Iowa inheritance tax is another thing retirees need to worry about – at least for the time being. In 2021, the Hawkeye State started phasing out it's inheritance tax over a five-year period by reducing the rate of tax by 20% each year (the base rates range from 5% to 15%). Therefore, for 2023, Iowa's inheritance tax ranges from 2% to 6%, depending on the amount of the inheritance and the relationship of the recipient to the decedent. The tax will be completely repealed on January 1, 2025.

For more information on these and other Iowa state and local taxes, see the Iowa State Tax Guide.

6. New York Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 4% (on taxable income up to $8,500 for single filers; up to $17,150 for joint filers) to 10.9% (on taxable income over $25 million)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 8.52%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,620 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: Estate tax

Unfortunately, the Empire State's heavy tax burden for middle-class families carries over into retirement — especially when it comes to property taxes. Based on New York's statewide median tax rate, our first hypothetical retired couple would pay about $4,050 each year in property taxes on their $250,000 home in New York. For our second couple, the annual estimated tax bill is $5,670 for their $350,000 home. Those figures are the sixth-highest amounts in the country for those home values. There are some property tax breaks for seniors, though. Local governments and public-school districts can reduce the assessed value of their home by 50%. Under another program, part of a senior's home value can be exempt from school property taxes.

New York has high sales taxes, too. There's a 4% state tax, and localities can add as much as 4.875% in additional taxes on purchases in the state. At 8.52%, New York's average combined (state and local) sales tax rate is the 10th-highest in the nation.

When it comes to income taxes, New York's tax bite is less severe for ordinary retirees when compared to other states. Social Security benefits, federal and New York government pensions, and military retirement pay are exempt. However, anything over $20,000 from a private retirement plan (including pensions, IRAs and 401(k) plans) or an out-of-state government plan is taxed. Also, for ultra-wealthy retirees, New York income tax rate is steep — 10.9%. Fortunately, there's some relief in site: Beginning in 2028, the top rate is scheduled to drop down to 8.82% (where it was before 2021).

New York also has an estate tax — with an unusual "cliff tax" kicker. Generally, for deaths in 2023, the tax is only imposed on that portion of an estate over the $6.58 million exemption. However, if the value of the estate is more than 105% of the exemption amount, the exemption won't be available and the entire estate will be subject to New York estate tax. Ouch!

For more information on these and other New York state and local taxes, see the New York State Tax Guide.

5. Connecticut Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 3% (on taxable income up to $10,000 for single filers; up to $20,000 for joint filers) to 6.99% (on taxable income over $500,000 for single filers; over $1 million for joint filers)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 6.35%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,957 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: Estate tax

The Constitution State is a tax nightmare for many retirees...but at least things are improving on the income tax front. For residents with federal adjusted gross income over $75,000 ($100,000 for joint filers), 25% of Social Security benefits taxed at the federal level are taxed by Connecticut. (Social Security payments are exempt for taxpayers below those income levels.) As for improvement, beginning with the 2022 tax year, income from a pension or annuity is fully exempt for joint filers with less than $100,000 of federal adjusted gross income and other taxpayers with less than $75,000 of federal AGI (only 42% was exempt for the 2021 tax year). Then, starting in 2023, 25% of any distribution from a traditional IRA is exempt for joint filers with less than $100,000 of federal adjusted gross income and other taxpayers with less than $75,000 of federal AGI. The exemption percentage is increased to 50% in 2024, 75% in 2025, and 100% in 2026 and thereafter. Military pensions are also excluded from state taxes.

Connecticut has the third-highest property taxes in the U.S. For our two make-believe retired couples, the statewide estimated property tax for a $250,000 home in Connecticut is $4,893 per year, and the estimated annual tax for a $350,000 home in the state is $6,850. The state does offers property tax credits to homeowners who are at least 65 years old and meet income restrictions. For 2022 credits, the income ceilings are $46,400 for married couples (with a maximum benefit of $1,250) and $38,100 for singles (with a maximum benefit of $1,000).

For 2023, Connecticut imposes an estate tax on estates valued at $12.92 million or more (i.e., at or above the federal estate tax exemption amount) at either an 11.6% or 12% rate. Connecticut is also the only state with a gift tax, which applies to real and tangible personal property in Connecticut and intangible personal property anywhere for permanent residents. Only the amount given since 2005 and over $12.92 million is taxed. Gift tax rates are also 11.6% or 12%.

There are no local sales taxes in Connecticut, so you'll pay only the statewide sales tax rate of 6.35% on your purchases (slightly below average). Clothing, footwear and accessories priced at more than $1,000; jewelry worth more than $5,000; and most motor vehicles costing $50,000 or more are taxed at 7.75%.

For more information on these and other Connecticut state and local taxes, see the Connecticut State Tax Guide.

4. Vermont Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 3.35% (on taxable income up to $42,150 for single filers; up to $70,450 for joint filers) to 8.75% (on taxable income over $213,150 for single filers; over $259,500 for joint filers)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 6.24%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,730 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: Estate tax

The Green Mountain State offers cold comfort on the tax front to retirees. It has a steep top income tax rate, and most retirement income is taxed. Vermont also taxes all or part of Social Security benefits for single residents with federal adjusted gross income over $50,000 (over $65,000 for married couples filing a joint return). Starting with the 2022 tax year, there is some income tax relief available for retirees. The first $10,000 of income from the federal Civil Service Retirement System, a military pension, and certain other government retirement systems is not taxed for joint filers with a federal adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less and other taxpayers with a federal AGI of $50,000 or less. Taxpayers who exceed the income limits may qualify for a reduced exemption. But the exclusion for government (including military) pension income cannot be taken if an exclusion for Social Security benefits is claimed.

Vermonters also pay a lot in property taxes. If our first made-up couple owned a $250,000 home in Vermont, they'd pay about $4,325 in property taxes each year. Our second couple, with a $350,000 home, would pay around $6,055 annually. These property tax amounts are the fifth-highest in the U.S. for those home values. Homeowners age 65 and older may qualify for a tax credit worth up to $8,000 if their household income does not exceed a certain level.

Vermont also taxes estates that exceed $5 million in value. The tax is imposed at a flat 16% rate.

Sales taxes aren't too bad in Vermont, though. Local jurisdictions can add 1% to the state's 6% sales tax, which results in an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 6.24%. That's below the national average.

For more information on these and other Vermont state and local taxes, see the Vermont State Tax Guide.

3. Kansas Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 3.1% (on taxable income from $2,501 to $15,000 for single filers; from $5,001 to $30,000 for joint filers) to 5.7% (on taxable income over $30,000 for single filers; over $60,000 for joint filers)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 8.71%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $1,330 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: None

While there's no place like home, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Dorothy (and ToTo, too) fled Kansas when she retired to avoid the state's high taxes. Looking at the state's income tax system, distributions from private retirement plans (including IRAs and 401(k) plans) and out-of-state public pensions are fully taxed. Kansas also taxes Social Security benefits received by residents with a federal adjusted gross income of $75,000 or more. Military, federal government and in-state public pensions are exempt from state income taxes, though.

Shopping in Kansas can be expensive, too. The Sunflower State's average combined state and local sales tax rate is the ninth-highest in the U.S. at 8.71%. Groceries and clothing are subject to state and local sales taxes in Kansas, too. However, the state sales tax on groceries is reduced to 4% in 2023, 2% in 2024, and 0% in 2025 and thereafter (local taxes on groceries will still apply).

Property taxes are above the national average as well. The statewide average property tax bill for our first hypothetical retired couple with a $250,000 home in Kansas comes to about $3,325. The bill for our second imaginary couple, with a $350,000 home, is estimated to be $4,655. Those amounts are the 13th-highest in the U.S. Homeowners who satisfy certain age and income requirements may qualify for a property tax credit or refund, though.

The good news is that Kansas doesn't impose estate or inheritance taxes.

For more information on these and other Kansas state and local taxes, see the Kansas State Tax Guide.

2. Illinois Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 4.95% (flat rate)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 8.73%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $2,073 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: Estate tax

There's a bit of good tax news for retirees in Illinois: Social Security benefits and income from most retirement plans are exempt. Plus, the state's 4.95% flat income tax rate won't take too much of a bite out of your retirement income.

Now for the bad news: Property taxes hit retirees hard in Illinois. The statewide median property tax rate in Illinois is the second-highest in the nation — a staggering $5,183 per year on a $250,000 home and a whopping $7,256 on a $350,000 home. Fortunately, there's some relief for qualifying seniors in the form of a homestead exemption of up to $5,000 ($8,000 in Cook County and, starting in 2023, bordering counties), the ability to "freeze" a home's assessed value, and a tax deferral program.

Sales tax rates are high in Illinois, too. The state has the eighth-highest average combined state and local sales tax rate at 8.73%. In some locations, the rate can be as high as 11%! Groceries (1% state rate; additional local taxes may apply) and clothing are taxable, too. (Note: The state tax on groceries is suspended from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.)

Illinois also has an estate tax that applies to estates worth $4 million or more. That can be bad news for your heirs.

For more information on these and other Illinois state and local taxes, see the Illinois State Tax Guide.

1. New Jersey Taxes

• State Income Tax Range: 1.4% (on taxable income up to $20,000) to 10.75% (on taxable income over $1 million)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 6.6%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $2,257 per $100,000 of assessed home value
• Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: Inheritance tax

Sorry, New Jersey, but you're the least tax-friendly state in the country for retirees. And, once again, it's the property taxes that are crushing retirees. The Garden State has the highest median property tax rate in the country. If our first make-believe couple bought a $250,000 home in the state, they would pay an eye-popping $5,643 in property taxes each year based on our estimates. Our second couple would pay a sky-high $7,900 on their $350,000 New Jersey home. The state does offer some property tax relief for seniors, though. Homeowners age 65 or older can claim either a tax deduction for up to $15,000 or a $50 refundable credit on their New Jersey income tax return for property taxes paid for a primary resident in New Jersey. There's also a program (the "senior freeze") that reimburses eligible seniors for property tax increases. And a $250 property tax deduction is available for senior citizens with an annual household income of $10,000 or less.

Income taxes are comparatively low for retirees in New Jersey, thanks in large part to a generous exemption for retirement income. For example, married seniors filing a joint return can exclude up to $100,000 of income from a pension, annuity, IRA, or other retirement plan if their New Jersey income is $100,000 or less. Single taxpayers and married taxpayers filing a separate return can exclude up to $75,000 and $50,000, respectively, if their income doesn't exceed $100,000. We should also point out that Social Security benefits are not taxed in New Jersey, either.

Sales taxes are reasonable in New Jersey, too. The state sales tax rate is 6.625%, but because some areas charge only half the state rate on certain sales, New Jersey's average state and local combined sales tax rate is only 6.6%, which is a little below average.

Although New Jersey recently eliminated its estate tax, the state still imposes an inheritance tax. The tax rates range from 11% to 16% on inherited property with a value of $500 or more. The amount of tax due is based on who specifically receives the property and how much the property is worth.

For more information on these and other New Jersey state and local taxes, see the New Jersey State Tax Guide.

About Our Methodology

Our tax maps and related tax content include data from a wide range of sources. To generate our rankings, we created a metric to compare the tax burden in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Data Sources

Income tax – Our income tax information comes from each state's tax agency. Income tax forms and instructions were also used. Unless otherwise noted, the rates and threshold amounts listed are for the 2022 tax year. See more about how we calculated the income tax for our hypothetical retired couples below under "Ranking method."

Property tax – The median property tax rate is based on the median property taxes paid and the median home value in each state for 2021 (the most recent year available). The data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau. By using data on taxes actually paid and median home values, differences between the cost of housing from one state to another are factored into the equation (although the median property tax rate is still a statewide figure).

Sales tax – State sales tax rates are from each state's tax agency. We also cite the Tax Foundation's 2022 midyear average combined sales tax rate, which is a population-weighted average of state and local sales taxes. In states that let local governments add sales taxes, this gives an estimate of what most people in a given state actually pay, as those rates can vary widely.

Ranking Method

The "tax-friendliness" of a state depends on the sum of income, sales and property tax paid by our two hypothetical retired couples.

To determine income taxes due, we prepared tax returns for each state and the District of Columbia for both couples. The first couple had $15,000 of earned income (wages), $20,500 of Social Security benefits, $4,500 of 401(k) plan distributions, $4,000 of traditional IRA withdrawals, $3,000 of Roth IRA withdrawals, $200 of taxable interest, $1,000 of dividend income, and $1,800 of long-term capital gains for a total income of $50,000 for the year. They also had $10,000 of medical expenses, paid $2,500 in real estate taxes, paid $1,200 in mortgage interest, and donated $1,900 (cash and property) to charity.

The second couple had $37,500 of Social Security benefits, $26,100 of 401(k) plan distributions, $18,200 of private pension money, $6,000 of traditional IRA withdrawals, $2,000 of Roth IRA withdrawals, $2,000 of taxable interest, $4,000 of dividend income, and $4,200 of long-term capital gains for a total income of $100,000 for the year. They also had $10,000 of medical expenses, paid $3,200 in real estate taxes, paid $1,500 in mortgage interest, and donated $4,300 (cash and property) to charity.

We calculated these 2021 returns using software from Cash App Taxes (adjustments were made to account for certain 2022 tax law changes).

How much they paid in sales taxes was calculated using the sales tax deduction tables in the instructions for federal Schedule A (Form 1040) and the Tax Foundation's 2022 midyear average combined sales tax rates.

How much each hypothetical family paid (and deducted on their income tax return, if allowed) in property taxes was calculated by assuming a residence with a $250,000 assessed value for the first couple and a $350,000 assessed value for the second couple. We then applied each state's median property tax rate to that appropriate amount.