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All Contents © 2019The Kiplinger Washington Editors
By Rocky Mengle, Tax Editor and David Muhlbaum, Senior Online Editor | November 4, 2019
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No two states are alike when it comes to taxes. They all have their own rules, rates and special tax breaks. As a result, your overall state and local tax burden in one state can be thousands of dollars more (or less) than in another.
What about your state? Are you in a high-tax state or a low-tax state (or somewhere in between)? That can be hard to determine. There are so many state and local taxes to worry about, and they're constantly changing. However, we've made it easy. We estimated the tax burden in each state for a hypothetical married couple with a combined earned income of $150,000, $10,000 in dividend income, two dependents and a $400,000 home (with a mortgage). Then we ranked each state according to the total state and local tax bill in each location. Check out the alphabetical list below to see where your state fits in … you might be surprised by what you find!
States are listed alphabetically. Details on tax data sources and our ranking methodology can be found in the last slide.
Our ranking: Tax-friendly
State income tax: 2% (on up to $1,000 of taxable income for married joint filers and up to $500 for all others) — 5% (on more than $6,000 of taxable income for married joint filers and more than $3,000 for all others)
Average property tax: $432 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 9.16%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2721 per gallon
Go to Alabama’s full state tax profile
It doesn’t take much income to find yourself in Alabama’s highest tax bracket, though the Yellowhammer State does allow you to deduct your federal income taxes (it’s one of just a handful of states with this break). Some counties and cities charge an “municipal occupational tax” of 0.5%-2% on income; the average levy across the state is 0.5%, according to the Tax Foundation.
Property taxes are the second-lowest in the country, but sales taxes take a bite — and the full rate is levied on food.
Our ranking: Most tax-friendly
State income tax: None
Average property tax: $1,234 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 1.76%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.1432 per gallon
Go to Alaska’s full state tax profile
Alaska gives each legal resident who has lived in the state for a full year an annual “Permanent Fund Dividend.” But the dividend has been shrinking in recent years, reflecting lower oil prices and a drop in production. For 2019, each legal resident will receive $1,606, down from a peak of $2,072 in 2015.
Gas taxes in the Last Frontier are the lowest in the U.S., and Alaskans pay no state income taxes or state sales taxes. While municipalities – generally those without real estate taxes – impose local sales taxes as high as 7.5%, the average sales tax is 1.76%, according to the Tax Foundation. Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, has no sales tax.
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State income tax: 2.59% (on up to $21,202 of taxable income for married joint filers and up to $10,602 for all others) — 4.54% (on more than $317,990 of taxable income for married joint filers and more than $158,996 for all others)
Average property tax: $754 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 8.39%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.1900 per gallon
Go to Arizona’s full state tax profile
Arizona’s top income tax rate of 4.54% doesn’t kick in until taxable income exceeds $158,996 for single filers or $317,990 for married couples filing jointly.
Residents pay an average of $754 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value, low for the U.S. And at 19 cents per gallon, state gas taxes are well below the national average of 34 cents per gallon.
Like most states, the Grand Canyon State excludes prescription drugs and food for home consumption from state sales taxes. However, all 15 counties levy additional taxes, as do many municipalities, and some jurisdictions extend their taxes to groceries.
Our ranking: Not tax-friendly
State income tax: 0.9% (on up to $4,499 of taxable income) — 6.9% (on more than $79,301)
Average property tax: $658 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 9.47%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2480 per gallon
Go to Arkansas’ full state tax profile
Property taxes are low in the Natural State, but sales taxes are among the highest in the country — even groceries are taxed (albeit at a lower rate). Income tax is particularly complicated in Arkansas, as the state uses multiple rate schedules that give it 16 different tax brackets in practice. Notably, service pay for active-duty members of the armed forces is completely exempt from income tax.
State income tax: 1% (on income less than $8,544/individual, $17,088/joint) — 13.3% (on income more than $1 million/individual, $1,145,960/joint)
Average property tax: $841 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 8.66%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.6205 per gallon
Go to California’s full state tax profile
While some California residents will see their income taxed at the country’s highest rate, 13.3%, which hits taxable income over $1 million for singles and $1,145,960 for married joint filers, for more modest incomes, the tax bite is far less harsh
The Golden State has the highest statewide sales tax, at 7.25%, but on average, municipalities don't add all that much, with the average state and local combined rate at 8.66%, according to the Tax Foundation. In Los Angeles County, though, dozens of cities have double-digit sales taxes.
Californians have lower property-tax rates than residents of other coastal states. However, in a state with some of the highest real estate prices in the U.S., bills can still be pricey. In the Bay Area and other parts of the state where an average home costs upwards of $1 million, the federal $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions will increase the overall impact of property taxes.
State income tax: Flat 4.63%
Average property tax: $607 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 7.63%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2200 per gallon
Go to Colorado’s full state tax profile
The Centennial State has a flat tax: If you have federal taxable income, the rate is 4.63%. Property taxes are quite low, but sales taxes take a bite. Colorado has a legal cannabis market; the taxes on marijuana include a 15% excise tax, a 15% "retail marijuana sales tax," plus regular state and local sales taxes.
Our ranking: Least tax-friendly
State income tax: 3% (on up to $20,000 of taxable income for married joint filers and up to $10,000 for those filing individually) — 6.99% (on the amount over $1 million for married joint filers and over $500,000 for those filing individually)
Average property tax: $2,114 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 6.35%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3931 per gallon
Go to Connecticut’s full state tax profile
About the only bright spot in Connecticut’s tax picture is that localities can’t add to The Constitution State’s 6.35% sales tax. Real estate taxes are the fourth-highest in the country and the state has not only a gift tax, but a luxury tax. Plus, annual car taxes are steep.
The Nutmeg State is one of Kiplinger’s top ten least tax-friendly states. The $10,000 cap on the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes hits residents in high-income areas, such as Fairfield County, who pay more than $10,000 in property taxes — their federal tax deductions for state and local taxes will be curtailed.
State income tax: 2.2% (on taxable income from $2,001 to $5,000) — 6.6% (on taxable income above $60,000)
Average property tax: $604 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 0%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2300 per gallon
Go to Delaware’s full state tax profile
The First State is a standout among its East Coast neighbors, with zero sales tax and and low property taxes. Income taxes escalate quickly, though, with the top rate of 6.6% hitting taxable income over $60,000 (for both single and joint filers), and the city of Wilmington imposing its own wage tax of 1%. Delaware is one of Kiplinger’s top ten most tax-friendly states.
Little Delaware pulls off this low-tax trick by being a very friendly place for businesses to incorporate, and then collecting fees and taxes from these absentee businesses, whose real operations are elsewhere.
Bruce Emmerling via Pixabay
State income tax: 4% (on taxable income up to $10,000) — 8.95% (on taxable income above $1,000,000)
Average property tax: $603 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 5.75%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2300 cents per gallon
Go to the District of Columbia's full tax profile
Living in the Nation’s Capital can be expensive. Though property and sales taxes are unexceptional, the District of Columbia takes huge bite of income. Taxable income over $40,000 gets hit at a 6.5% rate (the top rate of 8.95% is reserved for taxable income over $1,000,000).
Average property tax: $1,041 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 7.05%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.4199 per gallon (varies by county)
Go to Florida’s full state tax profile
The Sunshine State is well known for its absence of a state income tax, and its property taxes are below the midpoint for the U.S. Florida is one of Kiplinger’s top ten most tax-friendly states
Notably, Florida is one of only two states to exempt cigars from all taxation, a reflection of its long history as a cigar-manufacturing location.
Our ranking: Mixed tax picture
State income tax: 1% (on the first $1,000 of taxable net income for married couples filing jointly; on the first $750 for individual filers; and on the first $500 for married couples filing separately) — 6% (on taxable income over $10,000 for married couples filing jointly; on taxable income over $7,000 for individual filers; and on taxable income over $5,000 for married couples filing separately)
Average property tax: $1,000 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 7.23% (groceries taxable by localities)
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3515 per gallon
Go to Georgia’s full state tax profile
Georgia’s tax brackets mean that many taxpayers will find themselves paying the top marginal rate, which kicks in at just $10,000 of taxable income for married couples filing jointly or $7,000 for individual filers. However, the rates are dropping. For 2019, the rate is 5.75%. A further reduction to 5.5% would require a joint resolution by Georgia lawmakers and the governor during the 2020 legislative session.
The Peach State’s sales taxes lean high, and in some areas, groceries are taxed as well. Property taxes are modest.
State income tax: 1.4% (on taxable income up to $4,800 for married couples filing jointly; on up to $2,400 for married couples filing separately and individual filers) — 8.25% (on taxable income over $48,000 for married couples filing jointly and surviving spouses; on over $96,000 for married couples filing separately and individual filers)
Average property tax: $304 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 4.41% (but applied to virtually all transactions)
Gas taxes and fees: $0.4841 cents per gallon (varies by county)
Go to Hawaii’s full state tax profile
The Aloha State is known for its high cost of living. Some of that comes from taxes: the top tax bracket is an eye-popping 11% (applied to taxable income over $400,000). Also, don’t be fooled by Hawaii’s 4.35% average sales tax rate. Since it’s due on virtually all transactions, the pocketbook effect is severe.
A ray of sunshine: Property tax rates are the lowest in the U.S.
State income tax: 1.125% (on taxable income up to $3,008 for married joint filers and up to $1,504 for individual filers) — 6.925% (on taxable income of $22,558 or more for married joint filers and $11,279 or more for individual filers)
Average property tax: $796 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 6.03% (groceries are taxed)
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3300 per gallon
Go to Idaho’s full state profile
Idaho took steps to head off an effective state tax increase from the new federal tax law. Among the steps: Increasing the state standard deduction, introducing a a new $130 per child tax credit, and lowering tax rates a hair. Even so, Idaho’s top tax rate of 6.925% kicks in at a fairly low bracket ($22,558 for married joint filers), making its income-tax hit feel more like that of a a coastal state.
On the other hand, property taxes are low, sales tax modest and the Gem State does not have an inheritance tax or estate tax.
State income tax: Flat 4.95%
Average property tax: $2,408 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 8.78% (groceries are taxed)
Gas taxes and fees: $0.5387 per gallon (varies by county)
Go to Illinois’ full state tax profile
Illinois’ economic woes are one reason why the Prairie State tops our list of the least tax-friendly states in the country. The state ranks #50 in the latest ranking of states’ fiscal health by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and residents are paying the price with higher taxes.
The state's 4.95% flat income tax rate actually isn't that high when compared to other states, but other taxes are a doozy. For example, property taxes in Illinois are the second-highest in the nation. On a $400,000 home in the state, the average annual property tax bill would be an eye-popping $9,634.
Sales taxes are high, too. In some municipalities, combined state and local sales taxes exceed 10%. Most states exempt food and drugs from their sales tax, but that's not the case in Illinois.
State income tax: Flat 3.23%
Average property tax: $907 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
State sales tax: 7%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.4662 cents per gallon
Go to Indiana’s full state tax profile
The Hoosier State dropped its flat income tax a smidge in 2017, from 3.3% to 3.23%, but many counties in Indiana also impose their own income taxes, with an average levy of 1.56%, according to the Tax Foundation. The state sales tax is high, though municipalities don’t get to add to it.
State income tax: 0.36% (on up to $1,598 of taxable income) — 8.98% (on taxable income over $71,910); in 2019, 0.33% (on up to $1,638 of taxable income) — 8.53% (on taxable income over $73,710)
Average property tax: $1,678 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 6.82%
Gas taxes and fees: 31 cents per gallon
Go to Iowa’s full state tax profile
Which do you think is higher in Iowa: the corn or taxes? It might be taxes, thanks to above average income and property taxes in the state. One reason why income taxes are on the high end in the state is because over 200 school districts and Appanoose County add their own income taxes on top of the state-level tax. The average property tax rate in the Hawkeye State is the 12th-highest in the nation. For a $400,000 home in the state, the owners can expect to pay about $6,711 per year in property taxes. That certainly doesn’t help homeowners in Iowa.
Income tax rates have been lowered for 2019, and will go down further in 2023, assuming state revenues hold up.
State income tax: 3.1% (on $2,500 or less of taxable income for single filers and $5,000 or less for joint filers) — 5.7% (on more than $30,000 of taxable income for single filers and more than $60,000 for joint filers)
Average property tax: $1,491 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 8.68%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2403 per gallon (varies by county)
Go to Kansas’ full state tax profile
Kansas has seen a lot of tax drama in the past decade as it implemented, then ultimately rejected, a series of tax cuts promoted by then-Governor Sam Brownback. Individual income tax rates went up in 2017, as well as business taxes. Residents who earn interest and dividends may see those taxed by school districts.
Sales taxes are the 9th highest in the country. (and are applied to groceries as well).
State income tax: Flat 5%
State sales tax: 6%
Average property tax: $925 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Gas taxes and fees: 26 cents per gallon
Go to Kentucky’s full state tax profile
Kentucky changed its tax structure substantially in 2018, moving to a 5% flat tax (to which localities can add, an average of 2.08%, according to the Tax Foundation). Deductions for health insurance premiums, long-term care insurance coverage, and medical expenses were eliminated. More items are now subject to the state’s 6% sales tax, too, including club fees, pet care services, and landscaping services.
However, the Bluegrass State still prevents localities from adding to that sales tax, and the property tax burden is light.
State income tax: 2% (on $12,500 or less of taxable income for individuals, $25,000 for joint filers) — 6% (on more than $50,000 of taxable income; $100,000 for joint filers)
Average property tax: $555 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 9.45%
Gas taxes and fees: 20 cents per gallon
Go to Louisiana’s full state tax profile
The Pelican State is homeowner-friendly, with property taxes among the lowest in the country, helping make it one of Kiplinger’s top ten most tax-friendly states. The average tax bill is under $1,000, in fact. But, sales taxes are high — among the highest in the country, in fact, and the local portion of these is due on groceries and prescription drugs.
Louisiana is one of a handful of states that allow residents to deduct their federal income taxes.
State income tax: 5.8% (on taxable income less than $21,450 for single filers; less than $42,900 for joint filers) — 7.15% (on taxable income of $50,750 or more for single filers, $101,550 for joint filers)
Average property tax: $1,424 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
State sales tax: 5.5%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3001 per gallon
Go to Maine’s full state tax profile
Maine’s lowest income tax rate of 5.8% (on taxable income less than $21,450 for single filers) is higher than some other states’ maximum rate. The state tries to make up for that by charging a relatively low sales tax (and not letting municipalities add to it).
Though Maine does have an estate tax, its exclusion amount is quite high: $5.7 million for 2019.
State income tax: 2% (on less than $1,000 of taxable income) — 5.75% (on more than $250,000 of taxable income for single filers; more than $300,000 for joint filers)
Average property tax: $1,125 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3670 per gallon
Go to Maryland’s full state tax profile
The Old Line State takes aim at income: Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City have income taxes ranging from 1.75% to 3.20% of taxable income — on top of the state’s take. Maryland’s real estate taxes are middle-of-the-road and sales tax a low 6% state levy.
State income tax: Flat 5.1%
Average property tax: $1,294 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
State sales tax: 6.25%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2654 per gallon
Go to Massachusetts’ full state tax profile
The Bay State gets dubbed “Taxachusetts” sometimes, but that's not entirely fair, especially when you stack it up against its New England neighbors (well, except New Hampshire). Taxes in Massachusetts are decidedly average, with a flat 5.1% income tax and a flat 6.25% sales tax (municipalities can’t add to it). Property taxes lean a bit high. The state is one of the few to still have an estate tax, and the exemption threshold ($1 million) is low.
State income tax: Flat 4.25%
Average property tax: $1,729 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Gas taxes and fees: $0.4198 per gallon
Go to Michigan’s full state tax profile
Michigan is one of just a handful of U.S. states with a flat tax — the rate is a modest 4.25%. But cities can levy income taxes as well; in Detroit, the rate is 2.4%. Non-residents also pay, at half the rate. Property taxes are steep.
State income tax: 5.35% (on less than $25,890 of taxable income for single filers and on less than $37,850 for joint filers) — 9.85% (on more than $160,020 of taxable income for single filers and on more than $266,700 for joint filers)
Average property tax: $1,224 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 7.43%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2860 per gallon
Go to Minnesota’s full state tax profile
Minnesota hits hard with income tax. It added a new top income tax rate of 9.85% in 2013. But what makes the North Star State really stand out is that its lowest income tax rate is 5.35%.
Property taxes are on the high side, too. And the state’s estate tax has an unusual look-back provision to go after people who try to give away their money. The North Star State’s estate tax exemption for 2019 is $2.7 million. It will rise to $3 million in 2020; tax rates are from 13% - 16%. But Minnesota will include as part of your estate any taxable gifts made within three years prior to death.
State income tax: 3% (on taxable income of $1,000 or more) — 5% (on more than $10,000 of taxable income)
Average property tax: $862 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 7.07%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.1879 cents per gallon
Go to Mississippi’s full state tax profile
The Magnolia State is home to some of the cheapest property taxes in the nation. Its income tax levy, already fairly low, is being lightened. For 2018, the first $1,000 is exempt from the state's lowest 3% bracket. For 2019, the first $2,000 of taxable income is exempt. By 2022, the first $5,000 of taxable income will be exempt.
State income tax:1.5% (on taxable income of $1,028 or less) — 5.9% (on more than $9,253 of taxable income)
Average property tax: $1,026 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 8.03%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.1742 per gallon
Go to Missouri’s full state tax profile
Missouri took steps in 2018 to reduce its income tax bite, which has historically been a big one, with most taxpayers hit by its top marginal rate (5.9% for 2018). That rate dropped to 5.4% in 2019, and could go as low as 5.1% in future years if the state meets revenue targets. However, at the same time, lawmakers decided to partially phase out Missouri taxpayers’ ability to deduct a portion of their federal tax liability from their state taxes. Income limits now apply.
Missouri’s sales tax are high, but its fuel tax notably low. Kansas City and St. Louis have an earnings tax of 1 percent.
State income tax: 1% (on up to $3,000 of taxable income) — 6.9% (on taxable income over $17,900).
Average property tax: $892 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: None
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3275 per gallon
Go to Montana’s full state tax profile
The Treasure State is one of five states that do not impose a general sales tax (though you’ll find one in some resort areas). That, along with relatively low property taxes, is the good news. The bad news is that the top income rate of 6.9% kicks in at just $17,900 of taxable income. Montana is one of a handful of states that allows residents to deduct some of their federal income taxes from their state return.
State income tax: 2.46% (on up to $3,150 of taxable income for single filers and $6,290 for married couples filing jointly) — 6.84% (on taxable income over $30,420 for single filers and $60,480 for married couples filing jointly)
Average property tax: $1,855 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 6.89%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3060 per gallon
Go to Nebraska’s full state tax profile
The Cornhusker State has been making efforts to reduce its income tax bite, including, in 2018, creating a personal exemption credit so that the new federal tax law wouldn’t raise individuals’ state taxes. But property taxes are among the highest in the country.
Nebraska’s inheritance tax is a local tax administered by counties and ranges from 1% to 18%; assets passing to a spouse or charity are exempt from inheritance taxes.
Average property tax: $693 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3378 per gallon
Go to Nevada’s full state tax profile
A no-income-tax haven, Nevada is one of Kiplinger’s top ten most tax-friendly states. Where does the Silver State get its money? Besides the gaming industry, much of it comes from sales tax: the average combined state and local tax rate is 8.15%, the 13th-highest in the nation.
State income tax: None on earned income
Average property tax: $2,296 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Gas taxes and fees: $0.2383 per gallon
Go to New Hampshire’s full state tax profile
Like Tennessee, New Hampshire has a very limited income tax that only applies to dividend and interest income. There’s no sales tax in the Granite State, either. New Hampshire residents also don’t pay too much state tax at the pump. At only 23.83 cents per gallon, the state’s gasoline tax is well below the national average. The money’s got to come from somewhere, though: Local governments in New Hampshire dig deep into your pocket for property taxes.
State income tax: 1.4% (on up to $20,000 of taxable income) — 8.97% (on taxable income over $500,000)
Average property tax: $2,530 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 6.97%
Gas taxes and fees: 41 cents per gallon
Go to New Jersey’s full state tax profile
Income tax rates for Garden State residents are relatively low compared with some other tax-unfriendly states. They checked in as the third-lowest in our survey for states with a broad-based income tax. (There’s also a payroll tax in Newark.) But while New Jersey gives residents a break on income taxes, it brings the hammer down when they buy a home. New Jersey’s property taxes are the highest in the U.S. The state-wide average property tax on a $400,000 home in New Jersey comes to a whopping $10,120. New Jersey is one of Kiplinger’s top ten least tax-friendly states.
Fuel taxes, once a bright spot for residents and turnpike travelers alike, are now near the top for the country.
State income tax: 1.7% (on up to $5,500 of taxable income for single filers and $8,000 for joint filers) — 4.9% (on taxable income over $16,000 for single filers and over $24,000 for married couples filing jointly)
Average property tax: $830 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 7.82%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.188 per gallon per gallon
Go to New Mexico’s full state tax profile
Personal income tax rates top out at 4.9% on taxable income over $16,000 for single filers and over $24,000 for married couples filing jointly. And, hang in there until you’re 100 and your income taxes are waived altogether.
Property taxes are modest, but sales taxes lean high and hit more transactions than most states.
State income tax: 4.0% (on up to $8,500 of taxable income for single filers and up to $17,150 for married couples filing jointly) — 8.82% (on taxable income over $1,070,550 for single filers and over $2,155,350 for married couples filing jointly)
Average property tax: $1,812 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 8.49%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.4541 cents per gallon (varies by county)
Go to New York’s full state tax profile
The Empire State has a hefty income tax bite. Plus, New York City and Yonkers impose their own income taxes, and there’s a commuter tax for self-employed people working in and around New York City.
New York’s average sales tax rate is the 10th-highest in the country. However, food and drugs are exempt from taxes, as are health club memberships, less-expensive clothing and footwear, most arts and entertainment tickets, and a host of other items. The average property tax on a $400,000 home in New York is about $7,246, which is the fourth-highest average in the country. But in some high-cost parts of the state, such as Westchester County, homeowners pay more than twice that amount, which means they’re pinched even more by the $10,000 cap on the federal deduction for state and local taxes.
Those combine to make the Empire State one of Kiplinger’s top ten least tax-friendly states.
State income tax: Flat 5.49%
Average property tax: $894 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value
Average state and local sales tax: 6.95%
Gas taxes and fees: $0.3645 per gallon
Go to North Carolina’s full state tax profile
The Tar Heel State has been shaking up its tax structure, switching out graduated income tax brackets for a flat tax and capturing more services with its sales tax. The tax rate for 2018 ws 5.49%; in 2019 it dropped to 5.25%.