Gov. Dan McKee visited the Edward King House senior center Monday to promote his proposal to eliminate Rhode Island’s tax on Social Security benefits, joining AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor and Office of Healthy Aging Director Maria Cimini to make the case directly to older adults.
“Many people here have been paying taxes — specifically Social Security taxes — for their whole careers,” McKee said. “When those hard-working people retire, is it fair that they should have those earnings taxed all over again?”
McKee’s proposal would phase in the elimination of the tax over three budget cycles. The first year would provide relief specifically to early retirees, who are currently taxed on their benefits regardless of annual income. The average income of an early retiree in Rhode Island is $40,000, with joint filers averaging $75,000.
Rhode Island currently collects more than $40 million annually from the tax, according to AARP.
“Far too many are now struggling to afford health care and other basic needs,” Taylor said. “It’s time to eliminate this unfair tax.”
Cimini noted that many older adults claim Social Security before reaching full retirement age due to health challenges, job loss or caregiving responsibilities, leaving them without the tax exemption available to others.
During his visit, McKee also met with Edward King House Executive Director Carmela Geer and volunteers helping older adults file their annual tax returns through a tax aide program.
The Edward King House serves as a resource center for older adults in the community.