Veterans · Active Duty

District of Columbia Military Pension Calculator 2026

BRS and Legacy High-3 pension estimates with District of Columbia state tax impact. Free, no sign-up.

State tax treatment

Fully Taxed

Legacy multiplier

2.5% × YOS

BRS multiplier

2.0% × YOS + TSP match

District of Columbia state taxes: District of Columbia taxes military retirement pay as ordinary income with no special exemption. This is an important factor when comparing retirement locations.

Your service details

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Your current completed years

BRS if you joined after Jan 1, 2018 or opted in. Legacy (High-3) if you joined before 2006.

Contribute at least 5% to maximize the government match. Every percent below 5% is free money you're leaving behind.

Minimum 20 years for full pension. Common milestones: 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.

Tax situation

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Your retirement income breakdown

Fill in your service details and hit Calculate →

District of Columbia Military Retirement Tax Guide

District of Columbia taxes military retirement pay as ordinary income with no special exemption. This is an important factor when comparing retirement locations.

Military retirees in District of Columbia should plan for state income tax on their full pension. At a 5–9% state rate on a $40,000 pension, that's $2,000–$3,600/year in state taxes. Factor this into your net retirement income alongside your TSP withdrawals.

Use the calculator above to model your after-tax retirement income in District of Columbia. The calculator accounts for both your pension (BRS or Legacy) and your projected TSP balance so you can see the full retirement picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military retirement pay taxed in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia taxes military retirement pay as ordinary income with no special exemption. This is an important factor when comparing retirement locations.

What is the difference between BRS and Legacy High-3 for District of Columbia retirees?

Legacy High-3 pays 2.5% × years of service × your highest 3-year average base pay, with no TSP matching. BRS pays 2.0% × years × High-3 but includes government TSP matching up to 4%. Both pension types receive the same District of Columbia tax treatment.

How much is a 20-year military pension in District of Columbia?

A 20-year Legacy pension is 50% of your High-3 base pay. An E-7 at 20 years earns roughly $2,600/month before District of Columbia state taxes. BRS would be ~$2,080/month plus TSP. Use the calculator above for your exact pay grade.

Does District of Columbia tax TSP withdrawals?

District of Columbia taxes TSP withdrawals as ordinary income under its standard income tax rates. Plan both pension and TSP distributions together for your net retirement income.

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