Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
April 26, 2024 ·  3 min read

16 States With The Highest Taxes in the US

The United States grants each state the authority to determine its own income, property, and sales tax rates. This creates a patchwork of tax burdens across the country. This article explores the 16 states with the highest overall tax rates, incorporating income, property, and sales taxes.

1. Maryland (11.3% Combined Tax Rate)

View on Baltimore skyline and Inner Harbor from Federal Hill at dusk
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Maryland boasts a vibrant mix of urban excitement in Baltimore and coastal beauty along the Chesapeake Bay. However, residents might feel the pinch come tax season with a combined tax rate of 11.3%.

2. Nebraska (11.5% Combined Tax Rate)

Aerial View of Lincoln, Nebraska in Autumn
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Nebraska offers a blend of rural and urban life, with bustling cities like Omaha and Lincoln alongside wide-open prairies. Still, the state’s 11.5% combined tax rate might give potential residents pause.

Read More: 18 Maps Of The United States That Will Make You Think

3. Rhode Island (11.4% Combined Tax Rate)

Providence, Rhode Island, USA historic New England architecture with early autumn foliage.
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Despite its diminutive size, Rhode Island packs a punch when it comes to taxes. The “Ocean State” carries a combined tax rate of 11.4%, contrasting its charming coastline and historic Providence.

4. Massachusetts (11.5% Combined Tax Rate)

An aerial of Northampton, Massachusetts, United States on a fine morning
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Steeped in history and natural beauty, Massachusetts boasts iconic locations like Boston and Cape Cod. However, the state’s 11.5% combined tax rate might make residents feel like they’re constantly shelling out.

5. Utah (12.1% Combined Tax Rate)

Saint George hiking trail Owen’s Loop via Brooks Nature Trail views of sandstone mountains and desert plants around the Red Cliffs National Conservation Areas in southwest Utah, by Zion’s
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Utah is an adventurer’s paradise, offering ski slopes in Park City and natural wonders like Moab. Be prepared for a buzzing tax bill though, with a combined rate of 12.1% in the “Beehive State.”

6. Minnesota (12.1% Combined Tax Rate)

Minneapolis Minnesota at Sunset on the Mississippi River,
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Minnesota offers a blend of urban excitement in Minneapolis and pristine wilderness in the Boundary Waters. This beauty comes at a price, with a hefty 12.1% combined tax rate.

7. Maine (12.4% Combined Tax Rate)

Portland, Maine, USA downtown city skyline at dusk.
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Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Maine for its rugged coastline and quaint fishing villages. However, the state’s 12.4% combined tax rate serves as a reminder that even lobsters and lighthouses aren’t free.

8. Delaware (12.4% Combined Tax Rate)

Aerial View of Dover, Delaware during Autumn at Dusk
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Delaware offers tax-free shopping and the scenic Brandywine Valley. Despite its affordability, the state’s 12.4% combined tax rate might raise an eyebrow for some.

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9. Virginia (12.5% Combined Tax Rate)

Norfolk, Virginia, USA downtown city skyline from over the Elizabeth River at dusk.
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The only “southern” state on this list, Virginia boasts a rich history and culture from the Shenandoah Valley to Arlington. Even in the land of Jefferson, though, democracy comes at a cost – a 12.5% combined tax rate.

10. Illinois (12.9% Combined Tax Rate)

Chicago, Illinois, USA downtown skyline from Lincoln Park at twilight.
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Illinois offers a stark contrast, from the architectural wonders of Chicago to the rolling plains of the heartland. However, with a 12.9% combined tax rate, residents need to balance urban adventures with some budget-conscious Midwestern living.

11. New Jersey (13.2% Combined Tax Rate)

Aerial panorama of Trenton New Jersey skyline amd state capitol at sunset. Trenton is the capital city of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County.
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New Jersey offers diverse experiences, from exploring the scenic Jersey Shore to bustling streets in Newark. The “Garden State” also boasts a hefty combined tax rate of 13.2%.

12. California (13.5% Combined Tax Rate)

Aerial View of Stockton, California during Autumn
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California, the land of iconic beaches in Malibu, Hollywood glamor, and the Silicon Valley tech hub, offers a vast array of landscapes and cultures. However, the California dream comes with a hefty price tag – a 13.5% combined tax rate.

13. Vermont (13.6% Combined Tax Rate)

Montpelier, Vermont, USA town skyline.
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Vermont exudes charm, from its stunning fall foliage to its delicious artisanal cheese and maple syrup. This charm comes at a cost, though, with a 13.6% combined tax rate that might surprise some residents.

14. Hawaii (14.1% Combined Tax Rate)

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Honolulu, Oahu Island, Hawaii
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Hawaii is paradise personified, with stunning beaches, active volcanoes, and a laid-back vibe. Paradise doesn’t come cheap, though, with a combined tax rate of 14.1%.

Read More: Top US Cities and States Americans Are Fleeing

15. Connecticut (15.4% Combined Tax Rate)

Connecticut bay marina with boats
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Connecticut offers something for everyone, with charming coastal towns and a vibrant cultural scene. However, the 15.4% combined tax rate might be a turn-off for some considering a move to the state.

16. New York (15.9% Combined Tax Rate)

new york city skyline cityscape with statue of liberty over hudson river. with midtown Manhattan skyscrapers and freight sailing ship in usa america.
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New York, the “Empire State,” is home to the never-sleeping city that never lets your tax bills rest either. With a whopping 15.9% combined tax rate, New York takes the top spot on our list.

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