How Delaware taxes retirement income

Updated

Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits. Pensions and 401(k)/IRA withdrawals are partly taxed (there is an exclusion, then the rest is taxed). Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits fully excluded from taxable income. Pension and eligible retirement income (401k/IRA withdrawals) is otherwise taxed as ordinary income, subject to an exclusion: residents age 60+ may exclude up to $12,500 of combined pension/eligible retirement income; residents under 60 may exclude up to $2,000 of pension income only.

Retirement income tax in Delaware, at a glance

How Delaware taxes retirement income (reviewed August 29, 2026)
Income typeTaxed by Delaware?
Social SecurityNo
PensionsPartially (exclusion applies)
401(k) / IRA withdrawalsYes
Estate / inheritance taxNone
Avg. property tax rate0.54% of home value

Does Delaware tax Social Security benefits?

No. Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits.

Does Delaware tax pensions and 401(k) or IRA withdrawals?

Partly. Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits fully excluded from taxable income. Pension and eligible retirement income (401k/IRA withdrawals) is otherwise taxed as ordinary income, subject to an exclusion: residents age 60+ may exclude up to $12,500 of combined pension/eligible retirement income; residents under 60 may exclude up to $2,000 of pension income only.

For the mechanics of required withdrawals in retirement, see what is an RMD.

Sources