Sen. Patalano introduces legislation to eliminate income tax on Social Security benefits
STATE HOUSE — Sen. Todd M. Patalano has introduced legislation to repeal Rhode Island’s tax on Social Security benefits.
“Our state’s Social Security tax is a burden that has overstayed its welcome,” said Senator Patalano (D-Dist. 26, Cranston). “Seniors on fixed incomes are getting hit especially hard by the high cost of living and it’s our responsibility as legislators to provide solutions, not additional burdens. By repealing the Social Security tax, we can give our seniors the full enjoyment of the benefits they worked hard their whole lives for and provide some breathing room for those struggling with rising prices.”
The bill (2025-S 0409) would increase the modification for taxable Social Security income to include all taxable Social Security income, eliminating all state income taxes on Social Security benefits, beginning with the tax year starting on Jan. 1, 2026.
“Repealing the Social Security tax is both good policy for our state and the fair thing to do,” said Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Lincoln), who is a cosponsor of the bill. “Allowing seniors to hold on to 100 percent of their Social Security benefits will make it easier for working Rhode Islanders to choose to stay in their communities when they retire, rather than moving out of state for lower taxes. Spending from Social Security benefits also supports small business and creates local jobs in Rhode Island, a benefit that will only increase when seniors have more of their benefits left over to spend.”
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.
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.
Rep. Charlene M. Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence) has introduced companion legislation (2025-H 5758) in the House.
Senator Patalano is serving his first term in the Senate. A lifelong resident of Cranston, Senator Patalano has been a member of the Cranston Police Department since 1995 and currently serves as the Chief of Administrative Services at the rank of Major. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Roger Williams University School of Justice Studies.
The Senate has adjourned for the night, and that means the government shutdown will reach Day 30 tomorrow. The Trump administration says that the military will be paid, but thousands of air traffic controllers have missed their first full paycheck. Food assistance benefits are also set to expire for millions of Americans this weekend. Half the states are suing the Department of Agriculture over the impending cutoff, but the department says the money just isn't there. 
