Military Retirement and State Income Tax
Some states don’t charge income tax on military retired pay. In all states, VA & Social Security disability payments are tax-free.
If you have issues with retired pay and state income tax, including changing your withholding amount, you can always contact DFAS for assistance.
You can contact DFAS at:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service |
US Military Retirement Pay |
8899 E 56 St |
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200 |
Phone: 800-321-1080 |
States Without Personal Income Tax
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not have a personal income tax. Two others, New Hampshire and Tennessee, tax only dividend and interest income.
Related: State tax information for active duty members, retirees, and survivors.
States That Don’t Tax Military Retirement Pay
The following states do not tax retired military pay.
Alabama | Iowa | Michigan | New York |
Arkansas | Kansas | Minnesota | North Dakota |
Connecticut | Louisiana | Mississippi | Ohio |
Hawaii | Maine | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
Illinois | Massachusetts | New Jersey | West Virginia |
Wisconsin |
States With Special Military Retirement Pay Exemptions
The following states have special provisions for military or public pensions:
Arizona1 | Indiana6 | North Carolina10 |
Colorado2 | Kentucky7 | Oklahoma11 |
Delaware3 | Maryland8 | Oregon12 |
Georgia4 | Nebraska9 | South Carolina13 |
Idaho5 |
- The first $3,500 of military retirement pay is exempt.
- Military retirees ages 55 – 64 can exclude up to $20,000 in any one tax year from their retirement pay, those 65 and over can exclude up to $24,000.
- Up to $2,000 of military retirement excluded for individuals under age 60; $12,500 if 60 or older.
- Taxpayers over 62 or permanently disabled may be eligible for a $4,000 exclusion of retired pay.
- Tax-free for retirees 65 and older, or disabled retirees 62 or older.
- Up to $6,250 plus 25% of retired pay over that amount is tax-free for 2019. That will increase to 50% in 2020, 75% in 2021 and 100% for taxable years beginning after 2021.
- Up to $31,110 is tax-free, you may be able to exclude more in some situations.
- The first $5,000 is tax-free, that amount increases to $15,000 at age 55.
- Special rules see our Nebraska State Benefits Page.
- Only if you had at least 5 years active duty before August 12,1989
- The greater of 75% of your retirement pay or $10,000
- If you had military service before October 1, 1991 you may be able to deduct a portion of your retirement pay. If you didn’t have military or federal service prior to October 1, 1991, your military retirement is taxed normally.
- If you are under 65, up to $14,000 is tax-free. That amount increases to $27,000 at age 65.
Related: State tax information for active duty members, retirees, and survivors.
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