13 States That Tax Your Military Retirement Income

If you're a retired military personnel, where you choose to spend your post-service years can significantly help you get ahead financially.

Some states offer tax breaks and exemptions on military retirement pay, making it a little easier to enjoy a stress-free retirement. Others impose state income tax (fully or partially), potentially impacting retirees' overall income.

Here, we delve into 13 states that tax military retirement pay and outline the specific parameters affecting retirees in each state.

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In California, military retirement pay is treated as regular or pension income (following federal tax rules). This subjects retirees to California's state income tax laws, potentially impacting their overall tax liability.

California retirees may need to consider other strategies to mitigate their tax burden, such as careful financial planning or exploring tax-efficient investment options.

Similar to California, military retirement pay is treated as regular income in the District of Columbia, requiring retirees to pay income tax on their benefits.

Retirees contemplating a move to D.C. (or if they live there already) should factor in these tax implications when evaluating their retirement options.

Retirees under 55 can exclude up to $16,100 from their taxable income, which increases to $20,000 for those 55 to 64 and $24,000 for those 65 and older.

Colorado's tiered exemption system provides incremental tax relief based on age, offering retirees a pathway to gradually reduce their tax liability as they age.

Up to $12,500 of military pension income is exempt for taxpayers of all ages in Delaware, offering some relief for retirees residing in the state.

This exemption can significantly benefit retirees, allowing them to keep more of their retirement income for living expenses, health care, and other essential needs.

Retirees younger than 62 can exclude $17,500 of military retirement income, with an additional $17,500 exemption available for those with earned income over $17,500 in Georgia.

Georgia's tax exemptions provide retirees with opportunities to reduce their tax burden, enabling them to stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy a higher quality of life in the state.

Idaho offers significant tax benefits for military retirees. Married couples filing jointly can exempt up to $60,210 of their military retirement income from state taxes if both spouses are 65 or older, or if one spouse is 62 or older and disabled. 

Single retirees can exempt up to $40,140 under the same age and disability criteria. This exemption helps enhance the financial security of retired military personnel in Idaho.

Kentucky offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay. Retirees can exclude up to $31,110 from their state taxes, or potentially more for former service members or those retired before Jan. 1, 1998.

Retirees in Kentucky can leverage these tax benefits to maximize their retirement income and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the state.

The first $12,500 of military retirement income is tax-free, increasing to $20,000 for retirees ages 55 and older.

Maryland's tax exemption for military retirement income provides retirees with valuable tax savings, allowing them to allocate more resources toward their retirement goals and priorities.

For up to five years after becoming a Montana resident, military retirees can exempt the lesser of:

• 50% of their military retirement pay, as reported by DFAS
• Their Montana source income (from wages, salary, tips, business income, and farming income)

This exemption applies only after the retiree becomes a Montana resident or begins receiving retirement pay. 

Montana's phased approach to military retirement tax exemptions demonstrates the state's commitment to supporting its retired military population.

Retirees can enjoy tax-free military retirement pay of up to $30,000. All income is exempt from taxes for retirees who are 100 or older.

New Mexico's tax exemption for military retirement income provides retirees with financial relief, enabling them to retain more of their retirement benefits for essential expenses, leisure activities, and other discretionary spending.

Military retirement pay is subject to taxation based on service dates, with exemptions available for service before Oct. 1, 1991. After that date, retirement pay usually is taxed.

Oregon's tax treatment of military retirement pay underscores the importance of understanding eligibility criteria and service dates to accurately determine tax obligations.

Vermont recently updated its military tax exemption. The state now offers a tax exemption based on a tiered income. Retirees with adjusted gross incomes of $125,000 or less will receive a full exemption.

Vermont's tax exemption for retirement income aims to support retirees with modest incomes, providing them with additional financial security and stability in their post-service years.

In Virginia, retirees age 55 and older can deduct $40,000 in military benefits from their 2026 state income taxes. 

Virginia's phased approach to retirement pay deductions offered retirees predictable tax relief, enabling them to plan and budget effectively for their retirement years.

When planning for retirement, military personnel must consider the tax implications of their chosen retirement destination. You can avoid wasting money by living in a state that taxes military retirement pay.

Understanding which states tax military retirement pay and the available exemptions can significantly impact retirees' retirement plans and overall quality of life in their post-service years.

As you weigh your options, consider a state's lifestyle and climate as well as its tax policies to ensure a financially secure retirement.