Home→Retirement Tax→Delaware

DE · Tax Year 2026

Delaware
Retirement Income Tax

How Delaware taxes Social Security, pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, and military retirement pay in 2026.

No
Social Security
Partial
Pension
Yes
401(k)/IRA
Partial
Military

Tax Treatment by Income Type

Social Security BenefitsExempt
Pension IncomePartial
401(k) / IRA WithdrawalsTaxable
Military Retirement PayPartial

Exemptions & Exclusion Amounts

$2,000 eligible pension income under age 60; $12,500 eligible retirement/investment income age 60+; military up to $12,500

Age & Eligibility Rules

Broader $12,500 exclusion at age 60+

Additional Notes

Military and ordinary retirement exclusions cannot be applied twice to the same income

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Delaware tax Social Security benefits?

No. Delaware does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.

Does Delaware tax pension income?

Partially. Delaware provides exemptions for certain types of pension income — often public, government, or military pensions — while private pensions may be partially or fully taxable. See eligibility details above.

Does Delaware tax 401(k) and IRA withdrawals?

Yes, traditional 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are generally taxable in Delaware. However, exclusions or credits may apply depending on your age and income — review the details above.

Is Delaware a tax-friendly state for retirees?

It depends on your income mix. Delaware offers some retirement income relief, but the rules vary by income type and eligibility. Review the details above and consider consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.

Partner Services

Planning your retirement location involves more than state taxes. Compare states, model income scenarios, and get personalized advice from a fiduciary financial planner.

DataTactic may earn a referral fee from partner services. Data on this page is independent and unaffected by partnerships.

Data Source

Official Delaware state tax authority guidance. Tax year 2026. Some annually indexed thresholds may not yet be finalized — confirm with the state revenue department before filing.

Related for Delaware

Neighboring States

Data reflects tax year 2026 rules sourced from official Delaware state tax authorities. This page is for informational purposes only — always confirm current rules with the state revenue department or a qualified tax professional before making financial or relocation decisions.