Key takeaways

• Determining taxable income in retirement is key, as federal and state governments have different thresholds
• Lifestyle choices and location determine how much you’ll pay in sales tax
• Social Security benefits may be taxable, and your tax filing status makes a difference

The new tax brackets for 2026 could affect strategies for collecting income in retirement. Taxes don’t disappear entirely when you’re retired, and having flexibility to pay them should be part of a wider financial plan.

One often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning is the impact of paying taxes in retirement. When people do consider this, they usually want to know two things: Will they have to pay taxes in retirement, and is retirement income taxable?

The short and general answer is yes — individuals and couples generally must pay taxes in retirement. Some of the taxes assessed while working will no longer be paid in retirement, but other taxes will still be due.

No more payroll taxes

Payroll taxes (or self-employment taxes if you were a self-employed individual) are one of the main types of tax that are no longer paid in retirement. Also known as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes, payroll taxes are withheld and paid by employers from their employees’ paychecks to cover employees’ contributions to Social Security and Medicare.

FICA taxes are broken down as follows: 6.2% of wages for Social Security (capped at $176,100 of wages for 2025) and 1.45% of wages for Medicare (no limit), for a total FICA tax rate of 7.65%.¹ Also, if you were a high-income earner (earning more than $200,000 in a calendar year) you may also have been subject to an additional Medicare tax of 0.9%. Once you’re retired and are no longer receiving a paycheck or generating income as a self-employed individual, you’ll no longer pay FICA or self-employment taxes.

Federal and state income taxes remain

Assuming you have taxable income in retirement above certain thresholds, you will still be subject to federal income taxes as well as state income taxes if you live in a state that collects income tax on certain types of retirement income.

This includes income from pre-tax retirement plans like pensions, annuities, IRAs, 401(k)s and in some cases, income such as Social Security benefits.

Such taxable income is taxed at the following ordinary income tax rates for 2025.

2025 tax brackets for single filers

2025 tax brackets for filers who are married, filing jointly

2025 tax brackets for filers who are married, filing separately

2025 tax brackets for head of household filers

And the following income tax rates for the 2026 tax year:

2026 tax brackets for single filers

2026 tax brackets for filers who are married, filing jointly

2026 tax brackets for filers who are married, filing separately 

2026 tax brackets for head of household filers

However, qualifying distributions from accounts to which after-tax contributions have been made like Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are generally not taxable in retirement at the federal or state level. Municipal bonds are another potential source of tax-free retirement income.  Interest income earned from municipal bonds is generally free of federal, and sometimes also state and local, income taxes. Note: Gains realized from sales of municipal bonds or municipal bond funds are generally subject to capital gains taxes upon disposition.

Distributions from health savings accounts (HSAs) are also tax-free in retirement if the funds are used to pay for qualified medical expenses. If HSA distributions are used for any purpose other than qualified medical expenses, they’re subject to federal income tax at ordinary income tax rates. Additionally, if a nonqualified distribution from your HSA is made before the age of 65, you may still be subject to a 20% penalty on the distribution.²

Read more: Tax 101: Understanding the basics 

Other taxes in retirement

In addition to federal and state income taxes, you will also have to pay sales taxes when you retire. Sales taxes are assessed when you purchase goods and some services — everything from clothing and electronics to restaurant meals. How much you end up paying in sales taxes depends on your shopping habits and the sales tax rates in your city and state.

If you own your home, you’ll have to continue paying property taxes after you retire. This is one of the biggest tax burdens for many retirees because property taxes are based on the value of the home, which may rise over time. If you itemize deductions on your income tax return, however, you may be able to claim property taxes as an itemized deduction, which could lower your tax bill. It is important to note that after the July  enactment of the “big, beautiful” budget and tax reform package, state income, sales and property taxes are now subject to a $40,000 cumulative maximum deduction cap if you itemize your deductions. It will revert back to the previous $10,000 limit after five years.

Finally, depending on your income, you might have to pay the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) after you retire. This is a 3.8% Medicare surtax that applies to net investment income above certain thresholds. The NIIT generally applies to interest, dividends, and capital gains and losses, as well as income from passive sources. If your modified adjusted gross income is above $200,000 for individual filers (or $250,000 if you’re married and file your income taxes jointly) for the 2025 tax year, you will be subject to the NIIT on all or a portion of your net investment income.³

Read more: How to reduce taxable income: Can the average American pay no taxes?

Are Social Security benefits taxable?

Approximately 40% of Social Security recipients must pay income tax on their Social Security benefits.⁴

Taxation of your Social Security benefits depends on your income and filing status.

To determine if your benefits are taxable, take half of the Social Security benefits you collected during the year and add it to your other income. Other income includes pensions, wages, interest (including tax-exempt interest), dividends and capital gains, etc.  This sum is also referred to as your “base amount.”
 

• For single filers, if your base amount is between $25,000 and $34,000, then up to 50% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.
• For those married filing jointly, if your base amount is between $32,000 and $44,000, then up to 50% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.

Up to 85% of your benefit may be taxable for single filers with a base amount greater than $34,000 and for those married filing jointly if your base amount is greater than $44,000 a year. No more than 85% of Social Security benefits is ever taxable, regardless of the amount of your other modified adjusted gross income under current regulations.

Many states also assess state income tax on Social Security benefits, including Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont. The state of West Virginia began a three-year phase out of taxation of Social Security benefits starting with the 2024 tax year.

While Social Security benefits may be taxable in such states, some do provide for a lower limit on how much of those benefits may be taxed. Colorado, for instance, provides a subtraction limit for most types of retirement income sources (including Social Security benefits) up to $24,000 per individual over age 65.⁵

You will want to confirm with your state of residency to determine if any applicable exclusions apply each tax year.

Read more: Social security payments are going up

How income can impact Medicare premiums

Though not a tax that shows up on your tax return, reporting higher income can impact your Medicare Part B⁶ and Part D⁷ premiums.

Your Medicare premiums will increase if your modified adjusted gross income, as reported on your tax return from 2 years prior, is more than:

• $106,000 in 2025, if you file as an individual or are married filing separately
• $212,000 in 2025, if you are married and file a joint tax return

Social Security will notify you if you must pay the higher premium because of your income. In 2025, Medicare will evaluate the income on your 2023 return to determine if you are subject to the increased premiums.

Next steps

Figuring out what taxes you will pay in retirement can get complicated. Consider the following steps to help prepare yourself for retirement.

1. Sign up for Empower’s free financial tools to get access to the Retirement Planner, a tool that will help you estimate your portfolio’s chance for supporting you in retirement.
2. Speak with your tax advisor and personal financial planner for guidance on managing your money in retirement.

Frequently asked questions about taxes in retirement

What types of income are taxable in retirement?

Most retirement income — including withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and traditional IRAs — is subject to federal income tax. Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) withdrawals, if qualified, are generally tax-free according to IRS rules.

Are Social Security benefits taxed?

Yes, depending on total income. Up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable if provisional income (including half of benefits plus other earnings) exceeds IRS thresholds.

Do retirees still have to file a tax return?

Often yes. If total income — including pensions, investment income, or Social Security — exceeds the IRS filing requirement for the retiree’s age and filing status, a return must be filed each year.

Do state taxes apply to retirement income?

It depends on the state. Some states exempt Social Security benefits or pension income, while others tax all retirement income. Check your state’s revenue or taxation department for the current policy.