Does New York tax Social Security?
Does not tax Social Security
No. The Social Security in your federal adjusted gross income is subtracted when you figure New York income.
What the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance says
We do not paraphrase the rule from memory. This is the state's own wording, copied from the page linked below it:
“Social security benefits that are included in federal adjusted gross income may be subtracted from your federal adjusted gross income when computing your New York adjusted gross income.”
Federal tax is a separate question
Even though New York does not tax it, the IRS can still tax part of your Social Security on your federal return. Whether it does depends on your other income. Our taxable Social Security calculator follows the IRS worksheet line by line, and this guide explains the rule.
You can ask Social Security to withhold federal tax from each payment. Withholding for New York state tax, if you need it, is arranged with the state, not with Social Security. State rules change with new laws, so check with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance before you file.
Other states where the answer is “does not tax Social Security”
Check our work
The answer above comes from this page. Follow the link and compare.
- Information for retired personsNew York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Read on November 12, 2026.