Will Social Security Finally Be Tax-Free? Here's What Every Retiree Needs to Know

By Matt Frankel, CFP – Mar 7, 2026 at 7:11AM ESTOne of President Trump's campaign promises was to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. But while he has certainly made some big tax changes during his first year in office, the taxation of benefits remains the same. Here's why they could (and should) change within the next few years. *Stock prices used were the morning prices of March 4, 2026. The video was published on March 7, 2026. Read NextMar 7, 2026 •By Katie BrockmanRetirees: This Hidden Cost Could Shrink Your Social Security COLAMar 7, 2026 •By Christy BieberThis Little-Known Law Aims to Change When You Claim Social SecurityMar 7, 2026 •By Dana GeorgeHow Your Spousal Social Security Benefits Change After a Spouse's DeathMar 7, 2026 •By Trevor JennewineWhat Is the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for a $500,000 Retirement Account?Mar 7, 2026 •By Maurie BackmanThink an HSA Is Just for Medical Bills? Here's How It Can Double as a Stealth Retirement AccountMar 6, 2026 •By Maurie BackmanThese 3 Assumptions Could Wreck Your RetirementAbout the AuthorMatt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.TMFMattFrankelX@MattFrankelCFP