Does this tool use official IRS or state tax tables?

No. This explorer uses simplified, illustrative effective tax rates based on public research and typical state and local tax structures. It is designed for education and comparison, not for filing or legal advice. Always consult official IRS and state resources or a tax professional for actual tax calculations.

What taxes are included in the state and local tax burden?

The calculator focuses on the major recurring state and local taxes that affect households: personal income tax, general sales tax on consumption, and property tax on homes. Some states also have notable payroll or gross receipts taxes that are approximated in the 'other' category. It does not include federal taxes.

Why do rankings change when I change my income level?

Many state and local tax systems are not flat. Income taxes are often progressive, while sales and some local taxes are regressive. As income rises, the share paid in sales tax usually falls, while the share paid in income tax may rise. This can change which states have the highest or lowest effective tax burdens for a given income level.

Can I use this tool to plan where to move for tax reasons?

You can use this tool as a starting point to understand broad differences in state and local tax burdens. However, real-world decisions should also consider housing costs, wages, benefits, local services, and your specific situation. For relocation or business planning, talk to a qualified tax advisor and review official state resources.

US State & Local Taxes Explorer

Estimate and compare combined state and local tax burdens across US states for a typical household profile.

1. Enter your profile

Filing status

Annual household income (before tax)

Wages, salary, self-employment income, etc.

Home value (optional)

Used to approximate property taxes.

Annual spending on taxable goods

Groceries are often exempt; this is for taxable retail purchases.

2. Choose a state

State or District

This tool uses simplified, illustrative effective rates for education and comparison only. It is not tax advice.

3. Estimated state & local tax burden

Enter your profile, choose a state, and click “Calculate burden” to see an estimate.

4. Compare states

Sort by:

State	Total %	Income %	Sales %	Property %

Percentages are effective state + local tax rates for the income and assumptions you entered.

How this US state & local taxes explorer works

State and local governments in the United States rely on a mix of taxes to fund schools, roads, public safety, and other services. This tool gives you an illustrative estimate of how much a typical household might pay in:

Personal income taxes (state and sometimes local)
General sales and use taxes on taxable purchases
Property taxes on owner-occupied housing

It is designed for education and comparison, not for filing your taxes. Real tax liabilities depend on detailed rules, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Formulas and methodology (simplified)

For each state, the calculator applies effective rates to your inputs:

Income tax estimate

\[ \text{Income tax} \approx \text{Income} \times r_{\text{income}}(\text{state}, \text{income level}) \]

Sales tax estimate

\[ \text{Sales tax} \approx \text{Taxable spending} \times r_{\text{sales}}(\text{state}) \]

Property tax estimate

\[ \text{Property tax} \approx \text{Home value} \times r_{\text{property}}(\text{state}) \]

Total state & local tax burden

\[ \text{Total} = \text{Income tax} + \text{Sales tax} + \text{Property tax} \]

Effective tax rate

\[ \text{Effective rate} = \frac{\text{Total}}{\text{Income}} \]

The effective rates are stylized and loosely inspired by public research on state and local tax burdens. They are not official tax tables and do not reflect every local jurisdiction.

What drives differences between states?

Tax mix: Some states rely heavily on income tax, others on sales or property taxes.
Progressivity: Income taxes often have brackets; sales taxes tend to be more regressive.
Local add-ons: Cities and counties may add their own sales or property taxes.
Tax base: What is taxed (e.g., groceries, services, retirement income) matters as much as the rate.

Limitations and responsible use

This explorer is a teaching and planning aid. It does not:

Calculate your actual state or local tax return
Account for every deduction, credit, or special rule
Replace advice from a qualified tax professional

For authoritative data, see sources such as the IRS, state revenue departments, the US Census Bureau, and nonpartisan research organizations like the Tax Policy Center, Tax Foundation, and others.

Frequently asked questions

Does this tool include federal income taxes?

No. This explorer focuses only on state and local taxes. Federal income, payroll (Social Security and Medicare), and other federal taxes are excluded so you can isolate how much variation comes from state and local policy alone.

Why do some states show zero income tax?

A few states do not levy a broad-based personal income tax. They may still collect revenue through higher sales taxes, severance taxes on natural resources, or other sources. The calculator reflects this by setting the income tax component to zero but higher effective rates elsewhere when appropriate.

How accurate are the property tax estimates?

Property tax rates vary widely by county, city, and school district. The tool uses a statewide average effective rate applied to your home value. Your actual bill could be higher or lower depending on your exact location and exemptions (such as homestead or senior relief).

Can businesses use this for location decisions?

This calculator is oriented toward household burdens. Business taxes (like corporate income, gross receipts, and industry-specific levies) are far more complex. For serious site selection or investment decisions, consult a state and local tax (SALT) specialist and use detailed modeling tailored to your industry.