Derby State Rep. Klarides-Ditria Introduces Bill to Exempt Social Security from Income Tax

DERBY, CT — State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105th) announced Tuesday that she has introduced legislation to exempt Social Security benefits from the state income tax.

"Social Security benefits are a safety net for retirees, and they rely heavily on this income to help pay their bills," said Rep. Klarides-Ditria in a statement. "Taxing this income is another unnecessary burden placed on Connecticut residents and is a primary reason why retirees are leaving our state. Connecticut needs to reduce the taxes and regulations placed on our residents and this bill is a step in the right direction."

Under current law, those receiving Social Security benefits who make more than $50,000 if single and $60,000 if married are taxed for 25 percent of their total receipts, she says. Klarides-Ditria's district includes Derby, Seymour and Beacon Falls.

"Let’s not forget what we campaigned on during the election," added Klarides-Ditria. "I heard from Democrat and Republican lawmakers that they would support this legislation, and now that this bill is before us, we should all work together to move this bill forward."

A recent study conducted by WalletHub ranked Connecticut the fourth unfriendliest state to retire. Connecticut is one of only thirteen states in the country that currently taxes Social Security benefits.

This bill, H.B. 5512, now awaits action by the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee. To view and track legislation, visit the Connecticut General Assembly’s website, www.cga.ct.gov.

Photo: State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105th). Photo credit: Contributed