Tennessee Retirement Tax Friendliness

Tennessee Retirement Taxes

Tennessee combines the lowest cost of living in the country with a warm climate and terrific recreational offerings. Cultural hotspots like Nashville and Memphis are great retirement destinations for seniors who love the arts. The Blue Ridge Mountain region in western Tennessee is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

The state’s retirement taxes (or lack thereof) are another reason seniors in Tennessee are smiling. The Volunteer State no longer levies any state income taxes, as of 2021. Prior to then, the state didn't tax traditional salaries and wages, but did tax income from interest and dividends. However, this tax, which was called the Hall Income Tax, has now been fully repealed.

This can add up to hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in retirement tax savings as compared with many other states. Tennessee also has low property taxes, although its sales tax is one of the highest in the U.S.

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Is Tennessee tax-friendly for retirees?

As Tennessee does not have an income tax, all forms of retirement income are untaxed at the state level. This includes Social Security and income from retirement accounts. Additionally, property taxes in Tennessee are quite low, with an average effective rate of just 0.65%.

That being said, one tax that hits seniors in Tennessee especially hard is the sales tax. Tennessee has one of the highest state and local sales taxes of any state, with an average overall rate of 9.61%, with a set 7% state sales tax rate. 

Is Social Security taxable in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not tax Social Security benefits in any way.

Are other forms of retirement income taxable in Tennessee?

There are no income taxes whatsoever in Tennessee.

How high are property taxes in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s property taxes and property tax rates are quite low. The average effective property tax rate is 0.65%, one of the lowest states in the country. The average Tennessee homeowners pays around $1,259 annually in property taxes.

What is the Tennessee Property Tax Relief Program?

The state of Tennessee provides property tax relief to some elderly or disabled homeowners. To qualify, the applicant’s total household income (including spousal income) can be no greater than $33,460. This includes Social Security benefits and other retirement income.

Senior applicants must be at least 65 years old, while disabled homeowners must be fully disabled according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligible homeowners will receive an exemption of $30,900 on their home value. So, if your total home value is $100,000, your taxes will only apply to $69,100 of that amount.

How high are sales taxes in Tennessee?

Tennessee has one of the highest state sales taxes in the U.S. The state rate is 7% and that is supplemented by local rates that can be as high as 2.75%. On average, the total rate paid by Tennessee residents is 9.61%.

While prescription drugs are fully exempted in Tennessee, groceries are not. Tennessee charges a lower tax rate for groceries, but it is still one of just a handful of states that taxes grocery purchases. The sales tax rate for groceries is 4%.

What other Tennessee taxes should I be concerned about?

Tennessee has no inheritance tax, and its estate tax expired in 2016.