Kansas Joins 41 States Exempt From Social Security Taxation in 2025

Does Kansas Tax Social Security? The short answer is no—and it’s part of a broader shift across the nation. In 2024, Kansas became the latest state to eliminate its Social Security tax burden on retirees, joining an expanding group of states offering tax relief on retirement income.

The Growing Landscape of Social Security Tax Relief

The question “Does Kansas tax social security?” reflects a larger national trend. According to financial experts, the number of states taxing Social Security benefits continues to decline. As of 2025, only nine states impose taxes on these benefits, while 41 states plus Washington, D.C., provide full exemption.

“Each state creates its own tax framework, and we’re seeing meaningful changes, particularly with Missouri and Nebraska stopping their taxation in 2024, and Kansas also making that transition,” explained Brian Kuhn, CFP, CLU, and SVP at Wealth Enhancement Group. “The majority of Americans now live in states where their Social Security income is protected from state taxation.”

Which Nine States Still Tax Social Security?

For context on why Kansas’s decision matters, consider which states haven’t followed suit:

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• West Virginia (phasing out by 2026)

The 41-State Exemption List: Where Retirees Keep More

States where Social Security benefits remain untaxed include:

• Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., along with Wyoming

Does Kansas tax social security after 2024? No. The state’s legislative action ensures retirees no longer face state income taxation on these benefits going forward.

Real Dollar Savings for Retirees

The financial impact of living in a state like Kansas that doesn’t tax social security is substantial. Jeff Rose, CFP and founder of Good Financial Cents, highlights the tangible benefits: “When we look at states that recently eliminated this tax, the savings are remarkable. Missouri retirees collectively save approximately $309 million annually, while Nebraska residents preserve around $17 million yearly.”

To calculate personal savings, multiply your Social Security income by your state’s effective tax rate. For instance, receiving $30,000 in benefits in a state with a 5% rate would mean $1,500 in annual savings.

State-Specific Nuances Matter

However, the exemption isn’t uniform everywhere. Colorado residents aged 55 to 64 with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 (or $95,000 for couples) can deduct Social Security benefits starting in 2025, expanding protections that were previously limited to those 65 and older.

“Tax provisions vary significantly by state,” Kuhn noted. “Some jurisdictions offer deductions only to certain age groups or income levels, making it essential for retirees to understand their specific state’s rules.”

What This Means for Your Retirement

The expansion of Social Security tax exemptions—including Kansas’s recent adoption—reflects a nationwide recognition of retirees’ financial needs. With federal taxation potentially reaching 85% of benefits for higher-income individuals, state-level protection becomes increasingly valuable.

Understanding whether your state taxes social security, and specifically how Kansas approaches the question of social security taxation, helps retirees make informed decisions about their financial security in 2025 and beyond.