
Michigan retirees are finally getting the tax relief they’ve been promised for more than a decade. After years of phased rollbacks, the state’s controversial “pension tax” is fully repealed in 2026, restoring deductions that many older residents lost back in 2011. This change means more money stays in retirees’ pockets—whether their income comes from a pension, IRA, or 401(k). But while the repeal is real, the rules for claiming your full retirement deduction still depend on your birth year, income type, and filing status. Understanding how the new system works ensures you don’t leave money on the table this tax season.