Does Georgia tax military retirement?

Partly in 2026: up to $17,500 is excluded under 62 (up to $35,000 with earned income), and $35,000 or $65,000 from 62. From 2027, retirees under 65 can exclude up to $65,000.

What is the Georgia disabled veteran property tax exemption?

$126,526 off the home's value for 2026, for 100% disabled veterans or those paid at the 100% rate for unemployability.

Georgia retirement taxes in 2026: military retired pay, Social Security and property tax

Short answer

Georgia does not tax Social Security. In 2026, military retirees under 62 exclude up to $17,500 of retired pay, plus $17,500 more if they have over $17,500 of Georgia earned income. From 62, Georgia's general retirement exclusion applies: $35,000 (62–64) or $65,000 (65+) per person. A new law raises the military exclusion to $65,000 for retirees under 65 starting in 2027. The income tax rate is a flat 4.99% for 2026.

Not tax advice. Rules change; confirm with the Georgia Department of Revenue, your county tax assessor or a tax professional.

Georgia at a glance (2026)

	Georgia
State income tax	Flat 4.99% (2026), down from 5.19% in 2025
Standard deduction	$15,000 single / $30,000 joint (2026)
Social Security	Not taxed (doesn't count against the retirement exclusion)
Military retired pay, under 62	Up to $17,500, plus $17,500 more with over $17,500 of Georgia earned income
Military retired pay, from 2027	Up to $65,000 under 65 (no earned-income test)
Retirement exclusion, 62–64 or disabled	$35,000 per person
Retirement exclusion, 65+	$65,000 per person ($70,000 from 2027)
100% disabled veteran	$126,526 homestead exemption for 2026
Average property tax	About 0.79% of home value a year

Income tax

A flat 4.99% for tax years starting in 2026, down from 5.19% in 2025. The rate is scheduled to fall 0.125 points a year toward 3.99%, but each step can be delayed if revenue conditions aren't met. The standard deduction is $15,000 single or $30,000 joint for 2026. Sources: Georgia DOR, 2026 and 2025 Summaries of Enacted Legislation; 2025 IT-511 booklet.

Military retired pay

2026 (under 62): exclude up to $17,500. If you also have more than $17,500 of Georgia earned income (from a second career, for example), exclude another $17,500. Each spouse qualifies separately.
From 62: the general retirement exclusion applies instead ($35,000 or $65,000).
Starting tax year 2027 (HB 266): retirees under 65 can exclude up to $65,000 of military retired pay with no earned-income test. It can't be combined with the general retirement exclusion.

Survivor Benefit Plan: Georgia's rules on survivor income based on a veteran's service are unclear across official sources. Confirm your situation with the Georgia DOR. Sources: Georgia DOR, Retirement Income Exclusion and 2025 IT-511; 2025 Summary of Enacted Legislation (HB 266, effective Jan 1, 2027).

Other retirement income

Each person can exclude $35,000 at 62–64 (or if permanently and totally disabled) or $65,000 at 65+. It covers pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, net rental income, capital gains, royalties and up to $5,000 of earned income. The 65+ amount rises to $70,000 in 2027. Sources: Georgia DOR, Retirement Income Exclusion; 2026 Summary of Enacted Legislation (HB 463).

Property tax for seniors

Georgia's statewide senior exemptions are small and income-tested (for example, $4,000 off county taxes at 65+ with household income of $10,000 or less). Counties set the real breaks, so check yours. Near Fort Gordon, Columbia County gives a $40,000 exemption at 62 (combined spouse income up to $15,000) and fully exempts school taxes on the home from 70 with no income limit. Apply by April 1. A statewide "floating" exemption (HB 581, 2024) limits yearly increases to inflation where it applies. Sources: Georgia DOR, Property Tax Homestead Exemptions; DOR Informational Bulletin 2025-01; Columbia County, Tax Exemptions.

Disabled veterans

The disabled veteran homestead exemption is $126,526 for 2026 (indexed each year; $121,812 in 2025). It covers honorably discharged Georgia veterans rated 100% disabled, paid at the 100% rate for Individual Unemployability, or with a qualifying loss of limbs or sight. An unremarried surviving spouse or minor children keep it while living in the home. Sources: county tax offices' 2026 exemption notices (Brantley, DeKalb). The Georgia DOR and Department of Veterans Service pages still show the 2025 figure.

Common mistakes

Expecting the $65,000 military exclusion in 2026. It starts in 2027.
Claiming the second $17,500 without Georgia earned income over $17,500.
Combining the military and general exclusions (not allowed under the 2027 law).
Missing April 1 for homestead exemptions.
Not reporting a lost exemption. Starting in 2026, that carries a 50% penalty.

Moving here?

PCS: Fort Gordon · Fort Stewart
Federal rules: Is military retirement taxable?

Chris Harris isn't licensed in Georgia. He'll introduce you to a vetted licensed agent there. Ask Chris →

FAQ

Does Georgia tax military retirement?: Partly in 2026: up to $17,500 is excluded under 62 (up to $35,000 with earned income), and $35,000 or $65,000 from 62. From 2027, retirees under 65 can exclude up to $65,000.
Does Georgia tax Social Security?: No.
What is Georgia's income tax rate in 2026?: A flat 4.99%.
What is the Georgia disabled veteran property tax exemption?: $126,526 off the home's value for 2026, for 100% disabled veterans or those paid at the 100% rate for unemployability.

Sources

Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Not tax advice.