On Monday Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) introduced a bill that would allow retirees in Minnesota to fully deduct Social Security Income on their state income taxes. As of last year, Minnesota is currently one of only 12 states that impose a Social Security Income tax on retirees, many of whom are living on a fixed income. North Dakota amended its tax code last year to strike Social Security payments from its definition of “taxable income,” making all of Minnesota’s neighboring states more friendly to seniors with Social Security incomes.

“The tax on Social Security Income is outdated and impractical—it’s long past time for us to end this shortsighted tax,” said Sen. Howe. “We need to encourage our seniors to stay in Minnesota, but by taxing Social Security Income, we are actively pushing them to other states. It’s unfathomable that the state currently taxes the Social Security benefits that retirees have already spent a lifetime paying for. Passing this bill is one of the top requests I get from my constituents every year, and it’s high time we listened to the people and got rid of this harmful tax. Our seniors and retirees deserve better.”

Social Security Income is currently double taxed in the state of Minnesota, meaning a tax is paid when the funds are taken from your paycheck, and a tax is again assessed when you receive your benefits later in life. Over 300,000 Minnesotans would stand to benefit from the repeal of this tax.