Does Rhode Island tax pensions and retirement income?
Taxed, with a retirement exclusion
Partly. For 2025 Rhode Island exempts up to $50,000 of qualifying taxable pension and annuity income per person, for people at full retirement age with income under its limit.
In the state's own words
Copied word for word from the official document linked below each quote:
“For Tax Year 2025, Rhode Island tax law allows up to $50,000 of qualifying taxable pension and/or annuity income to be exempted from Rhode Island personal income tax.”
Details worth knowing
- The Division of Taxation says the requirements are similar to those for its Social Security modification: full retirement age and income under the limit ($107,000 single, $133,500 joint for 2025).
And Social Security?
Partly. Rhode Island removes taxable Social Security only if you have reached full retirement age and your federal adjusted gross income is under its limit: $107,000 (single, head of household or married filing separately) or $133,500 (joint) for 2025. The Rhode Island Social Security page quotes the rule.
Federal tax still applies
Whatever Rhode Island does, pensions, annuities and traditional IRA or 401(k) withdrawals are generally taxable on your federal return. See the federal tax brackets and, if you are 73 or older, the required minimum distribution calculator.
State rules change, and the details (age limits, income limits, which plans qualify) matter. Check with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation before you file or move.
Other states in the same group
Check our work
The answer above comes from this document. Follow the link and compare.
- Retirement Income Tax Guide (Publication 2026-01, for tax year 2025)Rhode Island Division of Taxation. Read on November 12, 2026.