Overwhelming Majority of Montanans age 45+ Want Social Security Tax Relief, Exclusive AARP “Vital Voices” Survey Reveals

 Nearly 4 in 5 respondents say it's important to eliminate or phase out Montana’s tax on Social Security income

 Results of Vital Voices Survey Will Shape AARP’s Future Advocacy Efforts

AARP Montana recently released new research that examines how Montanans age 45 and older feel about issues such as health care, financial security, energy costs, caregiving, livable communities and more. This is part of an ongoing effort by AARP in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to better understand the needs and attitudes of older Americans and assist in the development of programs, policies and resources to support them.

In Montana, AARP surveyed 720 people and found that, among residents 45-plus:

Montanans age 45+ want Social Security tax relief

• 79% say it’s extremely or very important to eliminate or phase out Montana’s tax on Social Security income
• 79% say it’s extremely or very important to eliminate or phase out Montana’s tax on Social Security income
• 60% support raising the base amount of taxable SS income from $25k to $40k (individual) and $34k to $49k (adjusted)

Housing affordability is a real concern for Montana residents

• 4 in 5 (83%) say housing affordability is a very or fairly serious problem where they live
  
  • Extremely or very concerned about ability to afford housing costs in the future:
    
    • Home insurance: 44%
    • Property taxes: 40%
    • Utility bills: 40%
    • Home repairs or updates to age in place: 37%
    • Monthly rent or mortgage payments: 29%
• 3 in 4 (74%) say elected leaders should place a very high or fairly high priority on affordable housing

“These results not only support our advocacy and outreach efforts on legislative priorities, but they become important for community leaders throughout Montana,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “As local and state officials make public policy decisions that impact the lives of all Montanans, it’s essential for them to have reliable research results that accurately gauge public opinion." 

This is the third round of Vital Voices research that AARP has conducted. From 2019 to 2024, AARP Montana used findings from Vital Voices when meeting with legislators and delivering public testimony. 

“In 2022 we found that an overwhelming majority of Montanans age 45+ wanted tax relief,” said Summers. “As a result, last session, AARP Montana championed legislation to do just that.” 

This new data will once again be provided to local and state leaders, who will be able to use the data to:

• Predict the need for a specific program or interest in a particular issue.
• Enhance program and product innovation and development.
• Track issues and attitudes over time to assess shifts in public opinion.
• Take action on critical advocacy issues.

To see the Montana report as well as AARP insights on Americans 45+ in every state visit: aarp.org/vitalvoices.

More AARP Montana Vital Voices Survey Resources -- September 2025:

• Infographic
• Annotated Questionnaire
• Methodology

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About AARP: AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

About AARP Montana: For over 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of Montanans 50 plus. As one of Montana’s largest non-profit membership organizations, with more than 134,000 members, we advocate for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. We’re committed to helping already great communities across Montana become even better places for people of all ages to live and thrive by granting funds through our Community Challenge Grant Program. We fund small dollar, big impact projects in several categories, including transportation, safe streets, housing and public parks and trails.

We also connect Montanans with information and resources as well as help people connect with others who share their interests and passions – like music! As a main sponsor of the Helena Symphony’s Masterworks Series, we’re proud to help bring quality concerts to the community. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age. As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media.

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Also of interest:

• AARP Releases 2025 Helena Community Survey Highlighting Concerns of Residents age 50-plus
• AARP Montana Property Tax Relief Resource Page: Find Property Tax Help in Montana