Does Rhode Island Tax Social Security?
Short answer: yes, but many retirees pay nothing
Rhode Island exempts Social Security benefits for most retirees who have reached full retirement age and stay under its income thresholds.
For joint filers, benefits are exempt below a federal AGI of $133,750. For most other filing statuses, the threshold is $107,000.
- Whether you owe depends on your adjusted gross income and filing status, not just on living in Rhode Island
- Most low- and middle-income retirees in Rhode Island end up owing little or nothing on their Social Security specifically
- These thresholds are current for 2026 and are set by Rhode Island law, which can change — verify before relying on any specific number, including this one
Other retirement income isn’t exempt
Social Security is partly exempt for many filers, but other retirement income generally isn’t. Pensions, 401(k) and IRA distributions, and investment income are subject to Rhode Island’s state income tax like any other income.
Rhode Island’s income tax rate
Rhode Island has a graduated income tax with rates from 3.75% to 5.99%. Because state tax rates and brackets change from year to year, check the Tax Foundation’s current state income tax data before relying on any specific number, including this one.
Does Rhode Island tax Social Security benefits?
What is Rhode Island's income tax rate?
Rhode Island has a graduated income tax with rates from 3.75% to 5.99%, which is the rate that applies once your Social Security income crosses the exemption thresholds described above.
Is other retirement income like pensions and 401(k) withdrawals taxed in Rhode Island?
Generally yes — Rhode Island taxes pensions, 401(k) and IRA distributions, and investment income at its regular state income tax rate, separately from the Social Security-specific rules above.
Where can I verify current Rhode Island tax rules?
The figures above are sourced from Kiplinger’s state-by-state Social Security tax tracker, current as of 2026. For income tax rates generally, the Tax Foundation publishes current state-by-state data. Thresholds and rates change from year to year, so confirm current numbers before making a decision based on them.
Beyond taxes
Taxes are one factor in a retirement location decision, not the whole picture. Healthcare access, cost of living, climate, and proximity to family typically matter as much or more. If Rhode Island otherwise fits what you’re looking for, its tax treatment of Social Security is worth weighing carefully alongside its income thresholds — just don’t let it be the only factor you weigh, and talk to a tax advisor about how your specific retirement income will be taxed.
This article is for educational purposes only and isn't legal, financial, or tax advice. See our Disclaimer for details.
