Top Tax-Burdened States for Residents

It’s important for people thinking about moving to a new state to look into the tax system. State-by-state differences in individual income, property, and sales/excise taxes can result in substantial changes in the overall tax burden.


Which states charge their citizens the highest taxes? A new WalletHub analysis evaluates the tax burden in each state in relation to the total amount of personal income in three different categories. The ten states with the largest overall tax loads are as follows:

New York

Total tax burden: 12.75%

A significant portion of New Yorkers are apparently moving away due to the city’s high tax load. Significantly, the state legislature has decided to expedite the reduction of middle-class taxpayers’ income taxes, providing millions of people with relief.

Hawaii

Total tax burden: 12.70%

Hawaii is proposing corporate and individual income tax modifications that will result in tax increases, mostly for top earners, despite the state already having a high tax burden.

Maine

Total tax burden: 11.42%

Despite having one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, qualifying individuals and joint filers are getting tax refunds for inflation relief.

Vermont

Total tax burden: 11.13%

Vermont has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation because of its distinct property tax laws, which help pay for education.

Minnesota

Total tax burden: 10.20%

Amidst a significant budget surplus, Minnesota is debating tax rebate plans that centre on relief for individuals and couples.

New Jersey

Total tax burden: 10.11%

Because of its high property taxes, New Jersey has implemented programmes like property tax refunds to help its citizens who are struggling financially.

Connecticut

Total tax burden: 10.06%

Even though Connecticut has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, recent tax holidays and extensions are meant to provide some respite in light of inflationary pressures.

Rhode Island

Total tax burden: 9.91%

Rhode Island is enacting policies like removing the motor vehicle excise tax and giving child tax credits despite its comparatively lower ranking.

California

Total tax burden: 9.72%

Like New York, California is losing people because of its high taxes, but the state is trying to help those who qualify with inflation relief tax rebates.

Illinois

Total tax burden: 9.70%

To ease the financial burden on qualified taxpayers, Illinois is proposing tax relief measures, such as a suspension of the food tax and rebates for property and income taxes.