diff --git a/singer_sdk/helpers/_state.py b/singer_sdk/helpers/_state.py
index f3a831108..ed3d345eb 100644
--- a/singer_sdk/helpers/_state.py
+++ b/singer_sdk/helpers/_state.py
@@ -218,6 +218,11 @@ def increment_state(
         progress_dict = stream_or_partition_state[PROGRESS_MARKERS]
     old_rk_value = to_json_compatible(progress_dict.get("replication_key_value"))
     new_rk_value = to_json_compatible(latest_record[replication_key])
+
+    if new_rk_value is None:
+        logger.warning("New replication value is null")
+        return
+
     if old_rk_value is None or not check_sorted or new_rk_value >= old_rk_value:
         progress_dict["replication_key"] = replication_key
         progress_dict["replication_key_value"] = new_rk_value
diff --git a/tests/core/test_state_handling.py b/tests/core/test_state_handling.py
index 3f4fff148..f58a0128b 100644
--- a/tests/core/test_state_handling.py
+++ b/tests/core/test_state_handling.py
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import logging
+
 import pytest
 
 from singer_sdk.helpers import _state
@@ -127,3 +129,29 @@ def test_irresumable_state():
             "replication_key_value": "2021-05-17T20:41:16Z",
         },
     }
+
+
+def test_null_replication_value(caplog):
+    stream_state = {
+        "replication_key": "updated_at",
+        "replication_key_value": "2021-05-17T20:41:16Z",
+    }
+    latest_record = {"updated_at": None}
+    replication_key = "updated_at"
+    is_sorted = True
+    check_sorted = False
+
+    with caplog.at_level(logging.WARNING):
+        _state.increment_state(
+            stream_state,
+            latest_record=latest_record,
+            replication_key=replication_key,
+            is_sorted=is_sorted,
+            check_sorted=check_sorted,
+        )
+
+    assert (
+        stream_state["replication_key_value"] == "2021-05-17T20:41:16Z"
+    ), "State should not be updated."
+    assert caplog.records[0].levelname == "WARNING"
+    assert "is null" in caplog.records[0].message