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There are a grand total of nine states that don’t tax retirement income, and that’s because those states don’t tax income at all. This can be important for seniors to know, as holding onto as much retirement income as possible can be important — whether it’s coming from pensions, Social Security, a 401(k), or elsewhere.

Equally important to know: As of 2025, there are 15 states that don’t tax pensions, and 41 states — plus the District of Columbia — that don’t tax Social Security benefits. Paying less in taxes can lower the strain on a retiree’s budget and help their money last longer. That becomes especially important when and if inflation shrinks purchasing power — as it has in recent years.

How Much Can State Taxes Take Out of Retirement Income?

Each state taxes income, including retirement income, differently. So, there are different states that don’t tax pensions, and then there are states that don’t tax Social Security, etc.

Accordingly, how much of a bite state taxes take out of retirement income can depend on several factors, including the applicable tax rate where you live, and your specific tax brackets.

Taxes can be an important consideration when choosing where to retire, and when to retire.

Getting your financial house in order is also important. A money tracker app can give you a bird’s eye view of your finances and help you keep tabs on where your money is coming and going.

Understanding State Income Tax

As of 2025, 41 states levy taxes on wage and salary income, while nine states do not assess individual income tax. The state of New Hampshire exclusively taxes dividend and interest income, while Washington taxes capital gains for certain high-income individuals.

In some states, the same tax rate applies to all taxable income. Other states use a graduated tax system with individual tax brackets, similar to the way the federal tax system works.

California has the highest marginal tax rate, at 13.30%. Other states with double-digit tax rates include Hawaii (11.0%), New York (10.90%), New Jersey (10.75%), and Oregon (9.90%). Aside from the states that have no income tax, the lowest marginal tax rate belongs to North Dakota and Arizona, which both have an income tax rate of 2.50%.

Further, if you were to look at the average retirement savings by state, it may help provide some more insight into where many retirees live — and why.

15 States That Don’t Tax Pensions

Altogether, there are 15 states that don’t tax federal or private pension plans. Some of these are states that have no income tax at all; others have provisions in state law that make them states with no pension tax. Here are which states don’t tax pensions:

State	Pension Tax Policy
Alabama	Pension income excluded from state income tax
Alaska	No state income tax
Florida	No state income tax
Hawaii	Pension income excluded from state tax
Illinois	Pension income excluded from state tax
Iowa	Pension income excluded from state tax
Mississippi	Pension income excluded from state tax
Nevada	No state income tax
New Hampshire	Only taxes interest and dividend income
Pennsylvania	Pension income excluded from state tax
South Dakota	No state income tax
Tennessee	No state income tax
Texas	No state income tax
Washington	Only taxes capital gains for high income earners
Wyoming	No state income tax

Keep in mind that state or local government employee pension benefits may be treated differently. New York, for example, specifically excludes pension benefits paid by state or local government agencies from state income tax. If you move to another state, however, that state could tax your New York pension benefits.

41 States That Don’t Tax Social Security

Understandably, many people have questions about Social Security, including whether the program will remain solvent in the future. Another big one: How will taxes affect your benefit amount? That’s why it’s important to know which states don’t tax Social Security.

The good news is that 41 states and the District of Columbia do not tax Social Security benefits. So if you’ve chosen to retire, or at least are thinking about choosing a retirement date (which can affect your total Social Security payouts), you don’t need to worry about it. Similar to the states that don’t tax pensions, these states either have no income tax at all, offer exemptions, or have elected to exclude Social Security benefits from taxable income calculations.

State	Social Security Tax Policy	State	Social Security Tax Policy
Alabama	Not included in income tax calculations	Missouri	Not included in income tax calculations
Alaska	No state income tax	Nebraska	Not included in income tax calculations
Arizona	Not included in income tax calculations	Nevada	No state income tax
Arkansas	Not included in income tax calculations	New Hampshire	Not included in income tax calculations
California	Not included in income tax calculations	New Jersey	Not included in income tax calculations
Delaware	Not included in income tax calculations	New York	Not included in income tax calculations
Florida	No state income tax	North Carolina	Not included in income tax calculations
Georgia	Not included in income tax calculations	North Dakota	Not included in income tax calculations
Hawaii	Not included in income tax calculations	Ohio	Not included in income tax calculations
Idaho	Not included in income tax calculations	Oklahoma	Not included in income tax calculations
Illinois	Not included in income tax calculations	Oregon	Not included in income tax calculations
Indiana	Not included in income tax calculations	Pennsylvania	Not included in income tax calculations
Iowa	Not included in income tax calculations	South Carolina	Not included in income tax calculations
Kentucky	Not included in income tax calculations	South Dakota	No state income tax
Louisiana	Not included in income tax calculations	Tennessee	No state income tax
Maine	Not included in income tax calculations	Texas	No state income tax
Maryland	Not included in income tax calculations	Virginia	Not included in income tax calculations
Massachusetts	Not included in income tax calculations	Washington	Not included in income tax calculations
Michigan	Not included in income tax calculations	Washington, D.C.	Not included in income tax calculations
Mississippi	Not included in income tax calculations	Wisconsin	Not included in income tax calculations
		Wyoming	No state income tax

Montana and New Mexico do tax Social Security benefits, but with modifications and exceptions.

8 States That Don’t Tax Capital Gains

Federal capital gains tax applies when an investment or asset is sold for more than its original purchase price. The short-term capital gains tax rate applies to investments held for less than one year. Investments held for longer than one year are subject to the long-term capital gains tax.

States can also tax capital gains, though not all of them do. The states that do not tax capital gains are the same states that do not have income tax or have special tax rules on which income is taxable. They include:

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Wyoming

As far as how much capital gains are taxed at the state level, the tax rate you’ll pay will depend on where you live. Some states offer more favorable tax treatment than others for capital gains.

13 States That Don’t Tax 401(k), TSP, or IRA Income

Yet another potential area where states can generate tax revenue is by taxing retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs). In all, there are 13 states that don’t levy taxes on retirement income derived from these sources:

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Illinois

•   Iowa

•   Mississippi

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   New Hampshire

•   Pennsylvania

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Washington

•   Wyoming

35 States That Don’t Tax Retirement Income From the Military

There are certain states that tax military retirement income, but most do not. In all, 35 states don’t tax military retirement income, including those that don’t have income taxes, and others that have specifically carved out exceptions for military retirement income.

•   Alabama

•   Alaska

•   Arizona

•   Arkansas

•   Connecticut

•   Florida

•   Hawaii

•   Illinois

•   Indiana

•   Iowa

•   Kansas

•   Louisiana

•   Maine

•   Massachusetts

•   Michigan

•   Minnesota

•   Mississippi

•   Missouri

•   Nebraska

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   New Jersey

•   New York

•   North Carolina

•   North Dakota

•   Ohio

•   Oklahoma

•   Pennsylvania

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Washington

•   West Virginia

•   Wisconsin

•   Wyoming

9 States That Don’t Tax Retirement Income

As covered, there are a lot of different tax levels and tax types — some include different types of retirement income, some just involve plain old income tax itself. As such, it’s not really easy to determine which states don’t tax retirement income whatsoever. But if you were to boil it down to a list that accurately answers the question “which states don’t tax retirement income,” it would mirror the short list of states that don’t tax income at all.

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Nevada

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Washington

•   Wyoming

In addition, as mentioned above, while New Hampshire does tax certain types of income, it doesn’t really tax most forms of retirement income. So if you live in this state, your Social Security benefits and pension benefits can go further when it comes to covering your retirement expenses.

5 States With Low Retirement Income Taxes

Taking everything into account — taxes on income, pensions, Social Security, military retirement income, and more — there are several states that offer retirees relatively low retirement income taxes. Aside from the nine that don’t tax income at all, these states may be a good option for seniors, as they offer low retirement income taxes in one form or another:

•   Alabama

•   Georgia

•   Mississippi

•   Pennsylvania

•   Washington

Which States Have the Lowest Overall Tax Burden on Retirees?

Again, there is a lot to consider when trying to determine an overall tax burden, especially on retirees. But if you were to whittle down a list of a handful of states in which the tax burden is the absolute least on retirees? It would come down to the states with the overall smallest income tax burden, and a few other factors.

Delaware

Delaware hasn’t been discussed much, and though it does have state income taxes, a few other factors make it particularly appealing for retirees. Specifically, its state income tax rate tends to be relatively low (2.2% – 6.6%), and it has low property taxes, no sales taxes, and no applicable estate taxes.

Nevada

Nevada is a state with no state income taxes — a big win for retirees — and that also has relatively low property taxes, and no estate taxes. It also doesn’t tax income from most retirement accounts, or military retirement income.

Wyoming

Wyoming is similar to Nevada in that it has no state income taxes, low property taxes, and no estate taxes. There are applicable sales taxes, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the overall tax burdens seen in other states.

Can You Have Dual State Residency?

Generally, most people are residents of just one state. It is possible, however, to have dual residency in two different states. This can happen if you live in each state for part of the year to attend school or to work.

For example, the state of Virginia distinguishes between residents who maintain a home in the state for 183 days or more during the year and domiciliary residents who claim Virginia as their legal state of residence. Under state law, it’s possible to be a resident of Virginia and a domiciliary resident of another state.

For instance, a college student from California who lives in Virginia during the school year would be a dual resident. However, you can have only one domicile — in this example, it would be California.

If you live and earn taxable income in two different states during the year, you may have to file tax returns in both those states unless a reciprocity agreement exists. Reciprocity agreements protect taxpayers who work in states other than the one in which they’re legal residents from being hit with double taxation.

What to Consider Before Moving to a Tax-Friendly State

Moving to a state that doesn’t tax pensions and Social Security could yield income tax savings, but it’s important to consider the bigger financial picture. Paying no or fewer income taxes on retirement benefits may not be much of a bargain if you’re stuck paying higher property taxes, or your heirs are left with steep inheritance taxes, for instance.

Also, consider the overall cost of living. If everyday essentials such as housing, food, and gas are higher in a state that has no income tax, then your retirement benefits may have less purchasing power overall. If costs end up being higher than you anticipated, you might end up working after retirement to fill any retirement income shortfalls.

The Takeaway

There are a number of states that tend to be more tax-friendly for retirees, and those generally include the states that don’t levy any income taxes. That list comprises states such as Alaska, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. But there are other potential taxes to take into consideration, and states all have different tax rules in regards to pensions, retirement accounts, capital gains, and more.

As such, if you’re hoping to save on taxes during retirement, you’ll need to do a little digging into the specifics to see what might affect you, given your unique financial picture. It’s wise to take into account other tax types as well (property taxes, etc.), and overall cost of living. Doing a thorough cost-benefit analysis before making a decision to move could be beneficial.

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FAQ

What is the most tax-friendly state to retire in?

The most tax-friendly states for retirees are states that don’t tax pensions and Social Security, and have a low tax-profile overall for sales and property tax. Some of the best states for retirees who want to avoid high taxes include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada, and South Dakota.

Which states have no 401(k) tax?

States that do not tax 401(k) distributions are generally the same states that don’t tax income. Those states include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. New Hampshire and Washington don’t tax 401(k) distributions either.

Which states do not tax pensions?

States that do not tax pensions include the nine states that have no income tax — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Additionally, six states — Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania — exclude pension income from state taxation.

How can I avoid paying taxes on retirement income?

The simplest way to avoid paying taxes on retirement income is to move to a state that has the smallest applicable tax burden on retirement income sources. That would include the short list of seven states that don’t have any sorts of state income tax. You can also consult a professional.

Which states are tax-free for Social Security?

There are a grand total of 41 states that don’t tax Social Security benefits, and that list includes the nine states that don’t tax income at all.

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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q125-057

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For those of us seeking the appeal of a minimalist life on the water, the cost to build a houseboat will depend as much on how much elbow grease we’re willing to dedicate to the project as it does on the type of materials we decide to use for the job.

A houseboat is a self-propelled vessel with a cabin. There are many styles, giving people wide discretion on how they choose to build their own houseboat.

Let’s break down factors and average costs associated with building a houseboat.

Average Cost of Building a Houseboat

How much does it cost to build a houseboat? Just like the cost to build a house, it depends on size, materials, whether it’s a total DIY job, and more.

The cost of building a single-story 50-foot houseboat is at least $20,000 and perhaps closer to $50,000, some sources say. To be clear, that low estimate means doing all the work yourself or with the help of friends.

Labor costs for professionals like electricians or plumbers will increase your expenses substantially. So understand that you’ll be trading time and know-how for savings.

There are also houseboat kits and plans for sale. Charmingly, some are advertised as DIY pontoon tiny houses.

By contrast, you can choose to purchase a serviceable preowned houseboat that needs some renovations. Used houseboats can go for anywhere from around $20,000 to way over $1 million (or multi-millions) for luxury craft that border on liveaboard yachts. A houseboat in good condition is generally going to cost you around $60,000 to buy used. Shiver me timbers!

Here’s a rough estimate of the cost of building a houseboat vs. buying a used one.

Building From Scratch Cost	Preowned Houseboat Cost
$20,000 and up for 50 feet	$60,000 and up

Regardless of whether you’re planning to handle the build yourself or you intend to refurbish a used houseboat, you may need financing. How to pay for it? Not with a traditional mortgage. Options include a boat loan and a personal loan.

Homeowners with sufficient home equity may be able to launch their houseboat plans with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), home equity loan, or cash-out refinance.

Recommended: How to Find a Contractor

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Houseboat

Houseboat living has caught on with some retirees, who want to downsize home-wise.

It also could be a choice for minimalists and millennial homebuyers who think outside the box.

Not everyone, of course, will want to be a full-time liveaboard. Some water lovers will be OK with a basic houseboat for cruising and recreation, one that is maybe trailerable. Those are factors that will affect the cost of your preferred houseboat.

Here are factors to consider.

Size

The size of your houseboat will have a major impact on the cost of materials you’ll need. Are you planning to build a single-story or double-decker houseboat? Will this be something that would fit on a standard 50-foot pontoon base, or will you need something more robust to keep it afloat?

Consider the cost of $50,000 to build a basic 50-foot houseboat that will probably end up offering 450-500 square feet of space. That comes out to at least $110 per square foot, assuming you don’t hire anyone to help with construction. Your houseboat project could very well end up costing more than $200 per square foot.

Bear in mind that these figures are a very rough estimate that was calculated across a broad average of houseboats.

Design

The design of your houseboat will have a large effect on your options when it comes to layout, maneuverability, and aesthetics.

Before you begin construction, you’ll need to decide on what type of hull best suits your houseboat. Aluminum pontoons are popular.

Catamaran cruisers are maneuverable and may be cheaper to build, but they often compromise on space. These designs are easily outfitted with motors and may be best suited for owners who intend to take them out occasionally.

Those looking for larger accommodations may prefer a type of house called a floating home, which is actually different from a houseboat. It often has a concrete hull and is meant to stay in one place, permanently attached to utilities. The price, though, will usually be much higher than that of a houseboat.

A few sailors may opt to build a yacht, which offers the ideal combination of maneuverability and living space. You’ll have to have a hefty check at the ready or prepare to borrow a boatload if you’re considering this option.

Materials

The most common materials used to build boats intended for habitation are aluminum and fiberglass, but in some cases steel and wood can be construction materials of choice.

A standard pontoon base can cost between $3,000 and $10,000.

The cost of interior finishes largely depends on your personal tastes. They can be affordable if you’re fine with a no-frills setup but can tack skyward for more luxurious tastes and larger vessels. Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops cost money, regardless of whether they go in a house or a houseboat.

Will you want a staircase and flybridge? Budget accordingly.

Location and Water Depth

The environment you intend to keep your houseboat in will affect how much you’ll have to pay to make it seaworthy.

The price of an inboard motor may start around $8,000 and go up to $25,000. An outboard could start at $1,000 and go up to around $15,000. Depending on how large your vessel is, you may need to pay for a larger motor with more horsepower.

Federal regulations governing recreational craft prohibit the majority of houseboats from sailing in deep ocean waters. However, cruises along the shoreline, or in a lake or river, are acceptable options for capable houseboats.

Weather

Whether you decide to launch or keep your houseboat in freshwater or saltwater and local weather patterns will affect houseboat maintenance.

Saltwater is a tougher environment but has a lower freezing temperature than freshwater, which means that you likely won’t have to worry about ice forming in the water.

By contrast, if your houseboat will primarily be in freshwater, you may have to deal with ice. As water freezes into ice, it expands, which can damage your hull or rudder.

Permits and Regulations

Any recreational vessel must meet federal safety requirements and possibly abide by state regulations.

Average Cost of Living on a Houseboat Year-Round

The average cost of living on a houseboat is $30,000 per year, including a boat or personal loan payment, some sources say. This breaks down to around $2,500 per month. Some frugal houseboat enthusiasts report living on as little as $6,000 per year.

Most of these costs encompass mooring fees, utilities, and insurance, but you’ll also need to budget for repairs and applicable local fees. Some houseboat communities have a homeowners association that allows all residents to distribute community expenses like maintenance of the docks.

Does a houseboat cost less than a home sitting on terra firma? Generally, yes. You can build a houseboat for far less than a comparably sized single-family home. As a future liveaboard, though, you might want to compare moorage and other fees to the costs of maintaining a traditional home.

The IRS says a boat with cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities can be a main or second home, so interest paid on a loan for your houseboat could be included in the mortgage interest deduction if you itemize.

The Takeaway

How much does it cost to build a houseboat? The cost could start at $20,000 for a DIY build and depends largely on size and materials. Hiring skilled labor will add to that substantially. An alternative to building a houseboat is buying a used one and making it your own. How to pay for these nautical visions? One way, for qualified homeowners, is a HELOC brokered by SoFi.

SoFi now partners with Spring EQ to offer flexible HELOCs. Our HELOC options allow you to access up to 90% of your home’s value, or $500,000, at competitively lower rates. And the application process is quick and convenient.

Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit brokered by SoFi.

FAQ

How large can a houseboat be?

In most cases, 40 to 50 feet is the average length and 8 to 20 feet the range of width for a houseboat that will be comfortable as a long-term dwelling.

How long does it take to build a houseboat?

A DIY houseboat project could easily take 18 months to complete, but the time frame will depend on whether you’re able to work on the houseboat project full time and whether you enlist any help. Remember to factor in time to obtain necessary permits or inspections for your area.

Where can I get financing to build a houseboat?

You may be able to finance your houseboat build through lenders that focus on marine and RV lending. Other options are a personal loan, a HELOC, a home equity loan, and a cash-out refinance.

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SOHL-Q125-040

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Many people consider relocating when they retire to reduce their cost of living and make their savings last longer. When weighing the pros and cons of moving to another state, it’s important to consider the total tax burden there, including state and local taxes on retirement income, property tax, even sales tax. Some areas with a lower tax burden have a higher overall cost of living, which can cancel out any savings.

Below we look at the best states to retire in for taxes and how to tell if moving will be worth it.

Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirement

A number of states exempt Social Security income from state taxes. A smaller number offer a tax break on other retirement income, such as IRAs and 401(k) plans, private pensions, interest, dividends, and capital gains.

These are the 10 tax-friendly states for retirees, according to Kiplinger:

1.    Mississippi

2.    Tennessee

3.    Wyoming

4.    Nevada

5.    Florida

6.    South Dakota

7.    Iowa

8.    Pennsylvania

9.    Alaska

10.    Texas

But before you complete that change of address card, you’ll want to look at the bigger picture.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best State to Retire In

When choosing where to retire, it’s wise to first consider issues like safety, access to healthcare, distance to friends and family, or living near other people of retirement age.

Make a list of features that are important to you in a retirement locale, and consider whether any of them could indirectly impact your cost of living, such as being close to friends and family.

Then look at the total cost of living in an area: housing, food, transportation, cultural activities, and other expenses. These retirement expenses generally have a bigger impact on one’s lifestyle than taxes.

Finally, to determine whether a state is tax-friendly for retirees, look at the following:

Does the State Tax Social Security?

Generally, Social Security income is subject to federal tax. But some states also tax Social Security above a certain income threshold, while other states offer tax exemptions for individuals in lower tax brackets.

For the 2024 tax year, the states that tax some or all Social Security benefits are Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Does the State Tax Pensions?

Many states tax income from pensions, but 15 states do not. These states are: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

And these 13 states do not tax income from 401(k) plans: Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax.

Other Taxes That Affect Retirees

When choosing the best state for you to retire in, it’s a good idea to look into sales tax and property taxes too. States that don’t charge sales tax are Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. On the other hand, New Hampshire has very high property taxes, reducing the benefit of no sales tax.

Recommended: When to Start Saving for Retirement

States to Avoid When Retiring

Choosing the best state to retire in sometimes means making compromises. If safety and healthcare access are top priorities, for instance, you may not get your ideal weather. But for many retirees, a high cost of living is a deal-breaker.

Here are the 10 states with the highest annual cost of living, according to a 2024 analysis conducted by GOBankingRates:

1.    Hawaii: $131,560

2.    Massachusetts: $106,897

3.    California: $101,059

4.    New York: $91,865

5.    Alaska: $91,355

6.    Maryland: $85,007

7.    Washington: $84,642

8.    Vermont: $84,131

9.    Oregon: $83,693

10.    New Hampshire: $83,255

Recommended: Avoid These 12 Retirement Mistakes

The Best States to Retire in 2024

As noted above, the best state to retire in will depend on an individual or couple’s budget, lifestyle, and values. But recent trends may help point you in the right direction.

These are the top 10 states that retirees are moving to, according to United Van Lines’ 2024 National Movers Study:

1.    Delaware

2.    Florida

3.    South Carolina

4.    Arizona

5.    Mississippi

6.    Nevada

7.    North Carolina

8.    Maine

9.    Utah

10.    New Hampshire

If cost of living is your sole concern, the following are the 10 least expensive states, according to Bankrate:

1.    West Virginia

2.    Oklahoma

3.    Kansas

4.    Alabama

5.    Mississippi

6.    Missouri

7.    Arkansas

8.    Iowa

9.    Indiana

10.    Tennessee

States with the Lowest Tax Burden

An area’s total tax burden is the sum of all property taxes, sales taxes, excise taxes (which affect the price of goods), and individual income taxes. Below are the states with the lowest total tax burden for retirees. (On a budget? Tools like an online budget planner can help you monitor spending and make progress toward your financial goals.)

Rank	State	Total Tax Burden
1	Alaska	5.16%
2	Delaware	5.52%
3	Tennessee	6.18%
4	Wyoming	6.47%
5	Florida	6.82%
6	New Hampshire	6.85%
7	Alabama	7.36%
8	South Carolina	7.48%
9	South Dakota	7.86%
10	Georgia	7.98%

States With the Most Millionaires

One way to measure the overall desirability of an area is the number of millionaires who live there. After all, millionaires can afford to live in states that have high-quality healthcare, nice weather, and diverse cultural offerings. These are not the cheapest states in terms of cost of living or taxes, but their popularity may help non-millionaires reevaluate their must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.

Rank	State	% of Millionaire Households
1	New Jersey	9.76%
2	Maryland	9.72%
3	Connecticut	9.44%
4	Massachusetts	9.38%
5	Hawaii	9.20%
6	District of Columbia	9.12%
7	California	8.51%
8	New Hampshire	8.47%
9	Virginia	8.31%
10	Alaska	8.18%
Source: Statista

Does It Make Financial Sense to Relocate in Retirement?

For workers who already live in a state with moderate taxes, are near family, and have a lifestyle they enjoy and can afford, there may not be any compelling reason to move. But for those looking to make a change or lower their retirement expenses, it may make financial sense to relocate.

Just remember that housing, food, transportation, and other expenses usually have a bigger impact on one’s retirement lifestyle than taxes.

Pros and Cons of Relocating for Tax Benefits

Lower taxes alone may not be enough to motivate someone to pick up and move house. Other factors should also support the decision.

Pros of Relocating for Tax Benefits

•   Potentially lower cost of living

•   Discovering a community of like-minded retirees

•   Possibly ticking off other boxes on your list

Cons of Relocating for Tax Benefits

•   Other living costs may cancel out the tax benefits

•   Moving costs are high, and the stress can be tough

•   Need to find another home

The Takeaway

The best state to retire in for tax purposes depends on an individual’s budget, lifestyle, and values. Some states with lower taxes for retirees can have higher housing and transportation costs, canceling out any tax benefit. A financial advisor can help you decide if saving on taxes is worth the expense and trouble of relocating.

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FAQ

What are the 3 states that don’t tax retirement income?

Nine states don’t tax retirement plan income because they have no state income taxes at all: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Those states, along with Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi and Pennsylvania, don’t tax distributions from 401(k) plans, IRAs, or pensions. Alabama and Hawaii don’t tax pensions, but do tax distributions from 401(k) plans and IRAs.

Which state is the best state to live in for tax purposes?

Alaska has the lowest overall tax rates.

Which states do not tax your 401k when you retire?

Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not tax 401(k) plans when you retire.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q125-051

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A health savings account, or HSA, not only provides a tax-free way to pay for medical expenses now, those tax savings can extend to retirement as well.

An HSA provides triple tax benefits to the account holder. You set aside money pre-tax (similar to a 401(k) or IRA), it grows tax free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax free.

HSAs can be a boon in retirement because you always have access to the account, even if you change jobs, and you never have to “use it or lose it,” so your savings can grow over time. Thus, you can use HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses at any time, tax free, now or when you retire.

The other good news is that after age 65 you can use the funds for non-qualified expenses, too; you just have to pay income tax on the funds you withdraw.

What Is an HSA?

A health savings account is a type of tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with a high-deductible health care plan (HDHP). For 2025, this means it has an annual deductible of at least $1,650 for self-only coverage and $3,300 for family coverage. In addition, its out-of-pocket maximum (including annual deductible) can’t exceed $8,300 for individuals and $16,600 for families.

Anyone who fits the criteria is eligible to open an HSA and save pre-tax dollars: up to $4,300 a year for individuals and up to $8,550 for families for the 2025 tax year. If you’re 55 or older at the end of the tax year, you can contribute an additional $1,000 — similar to the catch-up contributions allowed with an IRA.

An employer can also make a matching contribution into your HSA, though it’s important to note that total employer and employee contributions can’t exceed the annual limits. So if you’re single, and your employer contributes $1,500 to your HSA each year, you can’t contribute more than $2,800 for 2025.

Rules and Restrictions on HSA Contributions

You have until the tax-filing deadline to make your annual HSA contribution.

•   For tax year 2024, you have until April 15, 2025.

•   For tax year 2025, you have until April 15, 2026.

It’s important to know the amount you can contribute to your account, both so you can take advantage of your HSA and to make sure you’re not penalized for excess contributions. If the amount you deposit for the year in your HSA is over the defined limit, including any employer contributions and catch-up contributions, you’ll owe ordinary income tax on that amount, plus a 6% penalty.

Another caveat: Once you enroll in or become eligible for Medicare Part A benefits, you can no longer contribute money to an HSA.

What Are HSA Withdrawals?

You can withdraw funds from your HSA to pay for qualified medical and dental health care expenses, including copays for office visits, diagnostic tests, supplies and equipment, over-the-counter medications, and menstrual care products. Health insurance premiums are not included as qualified expenses, however.

One significant benefit of HSA accounts is that, unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), the money in an HSA doesn’t have to be used by the end of the year. Any money in that account remains yours to access, year after year. Even if you change jobs, the account comes with you.

Before age 65, there is a 20% penalty for withdrawing funds from an HSA for non-medical expenses, on top of ordinary income tax. After age 65, HSA holders can also make non-medical withdrawals on their account, though ordinary income tax applies.

How Do Health Savings Accounts Work?

HSAs are designed to help consumers play for medical expenses when they have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). That’s because typically an HDHP only covers preventive care before the deductible, so most types of medical care would have to be paid out of pocket as they’re applied to the deductible amount.

Having a tax-advantaged plan like an HSA gives people a bit of a break on medical expenses because they can save the money pre-tax (meaning any money you save in an HSA lowers your taxable income), and it grows tax-free, and you withdraw the money tax-free as well, as long as you’re paying for qualified expenses.

As noted above, you can withdraw your HSA funds at any time. But if you’re under age 65 and paying for non-qualified expenses, you’ll owe taxes and a 20% penalty on the amount you withdraw.

After age 65, you simply owe taxes on non-qualified withdrawals, similar to withdrawal rules for a 401(k) or traditional IRA.

💡 Quick Tip: It’s smart to invest in a range of assets so that you’re not overly reliant on any one company or market to do well. For example, by investing in different sectors you can add diversification to your portfolio, which may help mitigate some risk factors over time.

Can an HSA Be Used for Retirement?

HSAs are not specifically designed to be a retirement planning vehicle, but you can use HSA funds in retirement, since the money accumulates in your account until you withdraw it tax-free for qualified medical expenses.

There’s no “use it or lose it” clause with an HSA account, so any unused funds simply roll over to the following year. This offers some potential for growth over time.

That said, the investment options in an HSA account, unlike other designated retirement accounts, tend to be limited. And the contribution caps are lower with an HSA.

You could also use your HSA funds to pay for other retirement expenses after age 65 — you’ll just have to pay income tax on those withdrawals.

Recommended: How to Set Up a Health Savings Account

3 Reasons to Use an HSA for Retirement

Though they aren’t specifically designed to be used in retirement planning, it’s possible to use an HSA for retirement as a supplement to other income or assets. Because you can leave the money you contribute in your account until you need it for qualified medical expenses, the funds could be used for long-term care, for example.

Or, if you remain healthy, you could tap your HSA in retirement to pay for everyday living expenses.

There are several advantages to including an HSA alongside a 401(k), Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and other retirement savings vehicles. An HSA can yield a triple tax benefit since contributions are tax-deductible, they grow tax-deferred, and assuming you withdraw those funds for qualified medical expenses, distributions are tax-free.

If you’re focused on minimizing your tax liability as much as possible prior to and during retirement, an HSA can help with that.

Using an HSA for retirement could make sense if you’ve maxed out contributions to other retirement plans and you’re also investing money in a taxable brokerage account. An HSA can help create a well-rounded, diversified financial plan for building wealth over the long term. Here’s a closer look at the top three reasons to consider using HSA for retirement.

1. It Can Lower Your Taxable Income

You may not be able to make contributions to an HSA in retirement, but you can score a tax break by doing so during your working years. The money an individual contributes to an HSA is deposited pre-tax, thus lowering their taxable income.

Furthermore, any employer contributions to an HSA are also excluded from a person’s gross income. Meaning: You aren’t taxed on your employer’s contributions.

The money you’ve deposited in an HSA earns interest and contributions are withdrawn tax-free, provided the funds are used for qualified medical expenses. In comparison, with a Roth IRA or 401(k), account holders are taxed either when they contribute (to a Roth IRA) or when they take a distribution (from a tax-deferred account like a traditional IRA or 401(k)).

Using HSA for retirement could help you manage your tax liability.

2. You Can Save Extra Money for Health Care in Retirement

Unlike flexible spending accounts that allow individuals to save pre-tax money for health care costs but require them to use it the same calendar year, there is no “use it or lose it” rule with an HSA. If you don’t use the money in your HSA, the funds will be available the following year. There is no time limit on spending the money.

Because the money is allowed to accumulate, using an HSA for retirement can be a good way to stockpile money to pay for health care, nursing care, and long-term care costs (all of which are qualified expenses) if needed.

While Americans can enroll in Medicare starting at age 65, some health care needs and services aren’t covered under Medicare. Having an HSA to tap into during retirement can be a good way to pay for those unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses.

3. You Can Boost Your Retirement Savings

Beyond paying for medical expenses, HSAs can be used to save for retirement. Unlike a Roth IRA, there are no income limits on saving money in an HSA.

Some plans even allow you to invest your HSA savings, much like you would invest the funds in a 401(k).

The investments available in any given HSA account depend on the HSA provider. And the rate of return you might see from those investments, similar to the return on a 401(k), depends on many factors.

Investing can further augment your retirement savings because any interest, dividends, or capital gains you earn from an HSA are nontaxable. Plus, in retirement, there are no required minimum distributions (RMDs) from an HSA account — you can withdraw money when you want or need to.

Some specialists warn that saving for retirement with an HSA really only works if you’re currently young and healthy, rarely have to pay health care costs, or can easily pay for them out of your own pocket. This would allow the funds to build up over time.

If that’s the case, come retirement (or after age 65) you’ll be able to use HSA savings to pay for both medical and non-medical expenses. While funds withdrawn to cover medical fees won’t be taxed, you can expect to pay ordinary income tax on non-medical withdrawals, as noted earlier.

HSA Contribution Limits

If you are planning to contribute to an HSA — whether for immediate and short-term medical expenses, or to help supplement retirement savings — it’s important to take note of HSA contribution limits. If your employer makes a contribution to your account on your behalf, your total contributions for the year can’t exceed the annual contribution limit.

2024 Tax Year HSA Contribution Limits: Remember that you can contribute to your HSA for tax year 2024 until April 15, 2025.

•   $4,150 for individual coverage

•   $8,300 for family coverage

•   Individuals over age 55 can contribute an additional $1,000 over the annual limit

As with opening an IRA, you have until the tax filing deadline to make a contribution for the current tax year. So if you wanted to contribute money to an HSA for tax year 2024, you’d have until April 15, 2025 to do so.

2025 Tax Year HSA Contribution Limits: Remember that you can contribute to your HSA for tax year 2025 until April 15, 2026.

•   $4,300 for individual coverage

•   $8,550 for family coverage

•   Individuals over age 55 can contribute an additional $1,000 over the annual limit

How to Invest Your HSA for Retirement

An HSA is more than just a savings account. It’s also an opportunity to invest your contributions in the market to grow them over time. Similar to a 401(k) or IRA, it’s important to invest your HSA assets in a way that reflects your goals and risk tolerance.

That said, one of the downsides of investing your HSA funds is that these accounts may not have the wide range of investment options that are typically available in other types of retirement plans. Investment fees are another factor to keep in mind.

It’s also helpful to consider the other ways you’re investing money to make sure you’re keeping your portfolio diversified. Diversification is important for managing risk. From an investment perspective, an HSA is just one part of the puzzle and they all need to fit together so you can make your overall financial plan work.

HSA for Retirement vs Other Retirement Accounts

Although you can use an HSA as part of your retirement plan, it’s not officially a retirement vehicle. Here are some of the differences between HSAs and other common types of retirement accounts. Note: All amounts reflect rules/ limits for the 2024 tax year.

	HSA	Traditional IRA	401(k)
2025 annual contribution limit	$4,300 (individual) $8,550 (family)	$7,000	$23,500
Catch up contribution	+ $1,000 for those 55 and older	+ $1,000 for those 50 and older (total: $8,000)	+ $7,500 for those over 50 (total: $31,000)
Contributions & tax	Pre-tax	Pre-tax	Pre-tax
Withdrawals	Can withdraw funds at any age, tax free, for qualified medical expenses.	After age 59 ½ withdrawals are taxed as income.	After age 59 ½ withdrawals are taxed as income.
Penalties/taxes	Withdrawals before age 65 for non-qualified expenses incur a 20% penalty and taxes. Withdrawals after age 65 for non-qualified expenses are only taxed as income.	Before age 59 ½ withdrawals are taxed, and may incur an additional 10% penalty. Some exceptions apply.	Before age 59 ½ withdrawals are taxed, and may incur an additional 10% penalty. Some exceptions apply.
RMDs	No	Yes	Yes

As you can see, an HSA is fairly similar to other common types of retirement accounts, like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, with some key differences. For example, you can generally contribute more to an IRA and to a 401(k) than you can to an HSA, as an individual.

While contributions are made pre-tax in all three cases, an HSA offers the benefit of tax-free withdrawals, at any time, for qualified medical expenses.

Note that Roth IRAs also have a tax-free withdrawal structure for contributions, but not earnings, unless the account holder has had the Roth for at least 5 years and is over 59 ½. The rules governing Roth accounts, including Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s can be complicated, so be sure you understand the details.

In addition, HSA rules allow the account holder to maintain the account even if they leave their job. There is no need to do a rollover IRA, as there is when you leave a company and have to move your 401(k).

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening an investment account, know your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. These fundamentals will help keep your strategy on track and with the aim of meeting your goals.

What Happens to an HSA When You Retire?

An HSA doesn’t go away when you retire; instead, the money remains available to you until you need to use it. As long as withdrawals pay for qualified medical expenses, you’ll pay no taxes or penalties on the withdrawals. And your invested contributions can continue to grow as long as they remain in the account.

One advantage of using an HSA for retirement versus an IRA or 401(k) is that there are no required minimum distributions. In other words, you won’t be penalized for leaving money in your HSA.

How Much Should I Have in an HSA at Retirement?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on how much you expect to spend on health care in retirement, how much you contribute each year, and how many years you have to contribute money to your plan.

Say, for example, that you’re 35 years old and making contributions to an HSA for retirement for the first time. You plan to make the full $4,300 contribution allowed for individual coverage for the next 30 years.

Assuming a 5% rate of return and $50 per month in HSA medical expenses, you’d have just over $242,195 saved in your HSA at age 65. Using an HSA calculator to play around with the numbers can give you a better idea of how much you could have in your HSA for retirement if you’re saving consistently.

When Can I Use My HSA Funds?

Technically your HSA funds are available to you at any time. So if you have to pick up a prescription or make an unscheduled visit to the doctor, you could tap into your HSA to pay for any out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance.

If you’re interested in using an HSA in retirement, though, it’s better to leave the money alone if you can, so that it has more opportunity to grow over time.

The Takeaway

A health savings account can be a valuable tool to help pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical costs, tax-free right now. But an HSA can also be used to accumulate savings (and interest) tax-free, to be used on medical and non-medical expenses in retirement.

While an HSA can be useful for retirement, especially given the rising cost of long-term care and other medical needs, note that the annual contribution limit for individuals is much lower than other retirement accounts. Also, the investment options in an HSA may be limited compared with other retirement plans.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

SOIN-Q125-013

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