Major Update: Introducing the U.S. State Military Benefits Map
A Game-Changer for Military Retirees
I'm thrilled to announce a significant update to www.militaryretirementplanner.com, featuring the new U.S. State Military Benefits Map! This interactive tool is designed to empower military retirees and veterans by providing comprehensive data on state-specific benefits across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Whether you're planning your retirement location or optimizing your financial strategy, this resource is here to help.
What Does the Map Show?
The U.S. State Military Benefits Map offers an at-a-glance view of critical financial considerations, including:
- State Income Tax: See which states impose income tax and their respective rates.
- Military Retirement Pension Tax: Identify the 37 states that do not tax military retirement pay, the 12 states with partial exemptions (offering complete tax exemptions at retirement age, typically 65), and the two states (California and Washington, D.C.) that fully tax it.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Explore detailed eligibility criteria, exemption amounts (e.g., full exemptions for 100% disabled veterans in Texas, up to $300,000 exclusions in Minnesota), and application processes for each state is available on each state's detailed page.
- Disability Pay Exemptions: Confirm that disability pay is not taxed in any state when received as a pension or annuity from military service.
Enhanced State Military Benefits Summaries
Each state profile now includes a detailed summary of military benefits, such as:
- Texas Example: "Texas’ lack of state income tax fully exempts military retirement pay, offering significant savings. Veterans with 100% Permanent and Total disability receive full property tax exemptions, with partial relief for 10% or greater disability. The Hazlewood Act provides robust tuition exemptions, complemented by employment preferences and other benefits."
- These summaries cover education benefits (e.g., tuition waivers, scholarships), additional perks (e.g., employment preferences, discounted licenses), links to each state's Veterans Affairs website, and more.
Tax Brackets and Standard Deductions
For the first time, the site includes state tax brackets and standard deductions for 2025, tailored to filing statuses (single, married, head of household). This data helps you calculate your tax liability and plan accordingly.
Why This Matters
This update addresses the evolving needs of military retirees, offering a one-stop resource to compare state benefits. With California and Washington, D.C., highlighted as the only states taxing military retirement pay, and states like Texas and Florida offering no state income tax, the map simplifies decision-making. The inclusion of property tax details (e.g., Texas’s tiered exemptions) and education benefits (e.g., Hazlewood Act) ensures comprehensive planning.
Explore the Map Today
Visit www.militaryretirementplanner.com to explore the interactive map, hover over states for quick summaries, or click for detailed breakdowns. Your feedback is welcome to further enhance this tool! Simply Login or Signup to access the dashboard, then select State Military Benefits from the "Resouces" dropdown menu.
Stay Informed: Bookmark the site and follow updates for the latest on military retirement planning. #MilitaryRetirement #VeteranBenefits #TaxPlanning #MilitaryLife
Additional Updates with this release
- I have added a new Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) calculator to the site. This calculator will help you calculate your BAH based on your rank, years of service, and location. BAH rates since 2020 are available on the site.
- There have been several minor bug fixes and improvements to the site.
Have any feedback or suggestions? Please let me know at [email protected] and I will prioritize them!
Future Updates
I plan on adding more features soon, including:
- Total Compensation Calculator / Civilian Pay and Benefits Equivalentcy Calculator
- Retirement timing what-if comparison
- SBP and VGLI payoff probability
- BRS lump sum payout analysis added to the retirement calculator
- Additional military transition tools and resources
Model it yourself
See what these numbers mean for your retirement
Run your grade, years of service, and retirement date through the calculator — in about a minute.
Open the calculator — free →This article is educational and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are estimates and subject to change — verify details with official sources before making decisions.
Last updated June 8, 2025. Questions? Contact us or browse more guides.