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5/7/2025
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Rep. Ackerman’s bill to phase out Social Security tax heard in committee
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STATE HOUSE — House Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman testified before the House Finance Committee Tuesday in support of her bill to phase out the state income tax on Social Security benefits.
“With the price of everything going up, nearly a third of retired Americans say they are thinking of going back to work,” said Representative Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln). “Seniors need a break, and phasing out the tax on Social Security income over the next four years is one small step we can take that will make a big difference for them. We’re already one of the last remaining states that still taxes social security income: let’s not be the last.”
Rhode Island is currently one of only nine states that still tax Social Security income. This issue will affect more and more residents over time: by 2030, one in four Rhode Islanders is projected to be over 65 years of age.
The bill (2025-H 5474) would phase out the state tax on Social Security income over the next four years to provide relief to seniors while avoiding any sharp one-year adjustments to state revenue.
Representative Ackerman’s bill received supportive testimony from seniors in Rhode Island, who described to the committee how the tax on Social Security benefits makes it difficult to keep up with rising costs.
AARP Rhode Island state director Catherine Taylor also testified in support of the bill and brought with her a folder of 569 letters from Rhode Island AARP members in support of Representative Ackerman’s bill.
A 2023 survey of adults 45 years and older conducted by Rhode Island AARP found that 89% of respondents agreed that lawmakers should repeal the state tax on Social Security.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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