
Utah is frequently cited as a model of “balanced taxation,” with moderate property and sales taxes that supplement income-based revenues, allowing for broad funding of education, infrastructure, and public health programs. The flat tax applies to all personal income, and although it offers simplicity, critics argue it reduces the state’s flexibility to adjust revenues in economic downturns. While North Dakota’s income tax is among the lowest in the country, the state depends heavily on oil and gas severance taxes to fund public services. This energy revenue has helped maintain low personal taxes without dramatically cutting public spending. Indiana’s current flat income tax rate stands at 3.15%, but under 2023 legislation, it’s scheduled to gradually drop to 2.9% by 2027 — one of the most aggressive reductions among midwestern states.
- For example, Virginia’s taxpayers reach the state’s fourth and highest bracket at $17,000 in taxable income.
- Some public employee unions argue these taxes are necessary to stabilize long-underfunded pension obligations, but critics argue the double tax burden is driving residents and businesses out.
- Arizona joined the growing list of states with a flat individual income tax structure, one year earlier than originally anticipated.
- They simultaneously adopted revenue triggers that could create a lower, single-rate tax.
- It is important to remember that this data is subject to change over time but is accurate as of March 2023.
- New York ranked second with a total effective tax rate of 14.74% and the average household spending approximately $13,774 in state and local taxes annually.
Capital gains, property tax, and other considerations

While it often makes sense to file jointly, filing separately may be the better choice in certain situations. Typically, state income tax returns are due at the same time as your federal tax return — April 15th. However, some states may have different deadlines, and it’s worth checking the specifics for where you live, especially in years where the date might be pushed due to holidays or weekends. Long-term capital gains are taxed by the federal government at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on the filer’s status and the full amount of that taxpayer’s taxable income.

US States With Highest And Lowest Income Taxes

This simplicity makes it easy to administer, but it’s often criticized for being regressive, offering less relief unearned revenue to low-income earners. Pennsylvania also levies a Local Earned Income Tax (EIT) in most municipalities, typically around 1%, which bumps effective rates up slightly. Many residents, especially in wealthy suburbs like Greenwich and Darien, have begun reorganizing assets or changing domicile to Florida. Still, Connecticut maintains some of the nation’s top public school districts, making it attractive to high-income families with school-age children. Despite a progressive tax structure, Vermont is one of the most expensive states on a per-capita tax basis. The 2025 Tax Foundation’s State Burden Index placed it in the top five for overall state-local burden.
- While the federal government applies a uniform tax system nationwide, state income taxes can vary dramatically — from 0% in states like Texas and Florida to over 13% in California.
- These rates typically apply to single filers, not married couples filing jointly.
- Remember to examine all tax implications, including sales, property, and other state-specific taxes and fees.
- For a full picture of “states with low personal income tax” versus “states with high tax burdens,” consider all these angles.
- However, the state allows deductions for federal income tax paid, which can reduce liability for higher earners.
New Hampshire Income Tax Brackets

If you prize minimal state income tax rates, consider heading to the no income tax states or Debt to Asset Ratio those with rates in the 1–3% range. If you prefer well-funded public services, you might accept the high tax states. Just be sure to weigh all factors, because choosing the right location is about much more than a single bracket number.

State Income Taxes Explained: Your 2025 Guide
- For example, Georgia’s taxpayers reach the state’s sixth and highest bracket at $7,000 in taxable income.
- If your taxable income is zero, that means you do not owe any income tax.
- This category includes metrics such as flag design, symbolism, and history, and contains many groupings of flags based on their colors.
- Tax compliance solutions provider Sovos announced Nov. 11 that its Sovi AI Tax Compliance Cloud platform has expanded to include product tax code classifications for sales and use tax and data mapping.
- The majority of property taxes are imposed by local governments and depend on where you live, as well as the assessed value of the property.
On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming don’t charge any income tax, which makes them attractive states to move to, WalletHub said. South Carolina ranks as one of the more retiree-friendly states, as it exempts Social Security income and offers generous deductions on pensions. However, according to a 2025 South Carolina Policy Council review, the state’s reliance on regressive sales and excise taxes to fund shortfalls disproportionately impacts low-income households.
Can I get a tax refund on state income taxes?
- Texas uses a statewide gross receipts tax on businesses (the franchise tax) and allocates significant portions of sales tax to state needs, while local entities rely on property taxes for schools.
- Forty-one tax wage and salary income, while New Hampshire exclusively taxes dividend and interest income and Washington taxes the capital gains income of high earners.
- (aa) Maine’s personal exemption begins to phase out for taxpayers with income exceeding $279,500 (single filers) or $335,400 (MFJ) (2021 inflation adjustments).
- (oo) Taxpayers with net income greater than or equal to $84,501 but not greater than $90,600 shall reduce the amount of tax due by deducting a bracket adjustment amount.
- For example, some states, such as Texas, collect no income tax at all, while others rely on flat rates (e.g., Arizona) or progressive systems (e.g., South Carolina).
- GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.
Like the federal standard deduction, California’s standard deduction is a set amount you can subtract from your income to reduce how much of it is subject to tax. The California standard deduction for 2024 applies to tax returns filed in 2025. You pay tax as a percentage of your income in layers called tax brackets. As your income goes up, the tax rate on the next layer of income is higher. Excluding us state income tax rates those without income tax, no two states share identical rates and brackets.

