Archive · 4 Jan 2026
West Virginia Ends Income Tax on Social Security Benefits
West Virginia has decided to stop taxing Social Security benefits.
This means almost 500,000 people in the state will get to keep more of their money.
Before, some retirees had to pay taxes on up to 65% of their benefits.
Now, they won't have to pay any taxes on their Social Security income, no matter how much they earn.
This change will help retirees save money and spend more in their communities.
Other states like Colorado and Minnesota still tax Social Security benefits, but West Virginia is joining 41 other states that don't.
Lawmakers say this will make West Virginia a better place for older Americans to live.
West Virginia has fully exempted Social Security income from state taxes, benefiting nearly 500,000 recipients.
The change aligns the state with 41 others that do not tax Social Security benefits.
Retirees will see savings ranging from low hundreds to substantially more for higher-income filers.
Previously, some retirees paid taxes on up to 65% of their benefits once income thresholds were exceeded.
Lawmakers expect the move to boost local economies as seniors have more money to spend.
- Who
- West Virginia residents receiving Social Security benefits
- What
- Elimination of state income tax on Social Security benefits
- When
- Fully exempt starting this year
- Where
- West Virginia, USA
- Why
- To align with 41 other states and provide financial relief to retirees
- Number of Beneficiaries
- 500,000
- States Already Exempt
- 41
- States Still Taxing in 2025
- Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont
- Previous Tax Rate
- Up to 65% of benefits
- Expected Savings
- Low hundreds to substantially more for higher-income filers