Retiring in Alaska: how your income is taxed
Alaska is very tax-friendly for retirees. On a typical retirement income it ranks tied for #1 of 51 with 18 other states for the lowest state income tax.
The rules in Alaska
Alaska has no state income tax on wages or retirement income, so Social Security, pensions and retirement-account withdrawals are not taxed by the state.
Calculate your Alaska retirement taxes
State income tax in Alaska: $0 a year
In Alaska, the 401(k)/IRA amount counts as IRA withdrawals, which don't qualify for the pension exclusion. Enter withdrawals from employer plans such as a 401(k) or 403(b) as pension.
In Alaska you'd pay about $0 in state income tax and $4,336 in federal income tax on $70,000 of retirement income, keeping $65,664 (6.2% total).
Alaska ranks tied for #1 of 51 with 18 other states for the lowest state tax on this income. 19 states charge no state income tax on this income.
What retirees pay in Alaska
| Retirement income | State tax (single) | State tax (married) | Federal tax (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $24,000 Social Security, $12,000 401(k)/IRA | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $30,000 Social Security, $20,000 pension, $20,000 401(k)/IRA | $0 | $0 | $4,336 |
| $40,000 Social Security, $40,000 pension, $50,000 401(k)/IRA, $10,000 other income | $0 | $0 | $19,812 |
Age 67 or older, 2026 rules including the federal senior deduction. For married couples, income is the household total and both spouses are 67 or older. State estimates apply Alaska's main exclusions and may differ for income-tested credits.
Moving to Alaska in retirement?
Compare the tax on your Social Security, pension and 401(k)/IRA income, and typical living costs, with the state you'd leave. These are the states most households moving to Alaska come from (IRS migration data, 2022–2023).
- California to Alaska
- Washington to Alaska
- Texas to Alaska
- Florida to Alaska
- Colorado to Alaska
- Arizona to Alaska
Frequently asked questions
Does Alaska tax Social Security?
Not taxed. Alaska has no state income tax.
Does Alaska tax pensions?
Not taxed. Alaska has no state income tax.
Does Alaska tax 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?
Not taxed. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Alaska a good state to retire for taxes?
For a single retiree with $30,000 Social Security, $20,000 pension, $20,000 401(k)/IRA, Alaska charges about $0 in state income tax, ranking tied for #1 of 51 with 18 other states (lowest tax first).
Related
Sources: tax.alaska.gov, military.com. Rules reviewed .