Retirement taxes by state
How Washington taxes retirement income in 2026
Washington has no state income tax. Here's how Washington treats Social Security, retirement-account withdrawals, pensions and Roth conversions in 2026 — and what that means in dollars: a retired couple, both 67, with $98,000 of income pays nothing in Washington income tax.
Updated October 2026 · 2026 tax year
Washington at a glance
- No state income tax.
- Capital gains over $278,000 a year are taxed (7%, 9.9%).
- Changes already passed into law for 2028 are included.
Washington retirement tax questions
Does Washington tax Social Security?
No. Washington has no state income tax.
Does Washington tax 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?
No. Washington has no state income tax, so Social Security, retirement-account withdrawals, pensions and Roth conversions aren't taxed by the state.
Does Washington tax pensions?
No. Washington has no state income tax.
Does Washington tax Roth conversions?
No. Washington has no state income tax. Federal income tax still applies to a conversion.
Does Washington tax capital gains?
Capital gains over $278,000 a year are taxed (7%, 9.9%). Most retirees fall well under that threshold.
What retirees actually pay in Washington: three examples
Calculated with Retirology's tax engine under 2026 law, using each state's standard deduction, its retirement breaks and the 2026 federal rules for how much Social Security is taxable. That couple would owe nothing in Washington — one of 24 states (counting DC) where they'd pay $0.
| Household | Total income | Washington tax | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired couple, both 67 $48,000 of Social Security, $40,000 drawn from IRAs and 401(k)s, and $10,000 of qualified dividends | $98,000 | $0 | 0.0% |
| Single retiree, 70 $30,000 of Social Security, a $25,000 pension and $15,000 of IRA withdrawals | $70,000 | $0 | 0.0% |
| Early-retired couple, both 56, converting to Roth A $60,000 Roth conversion and $20,000 of long-term gains and qualified dividends, living on savings | $80,000 | $0 | 0.0% |
State income tax only — before local taxes, property tax relief and credits not listed above. Federal income tax is extra and the same in every state.
Details and limits
Capital-gains-only tax: 7% (9.9% over $1M) above an indexed deduction. A 9.9% tax on household income over $1M starts in 2028 (SB 6346; under court challenge).
Sources
Rates and rules for the 2026 tax year, from Retirology's state tax data (reviewed October 2026):
This page explains state tax rules in general terms. It isn't tax advice — check your state's official instructions or a tax professional for your situation.