Ranked: The Best and Worst States for Income Tax
Tax time is looming, but filing taxes isn’t always simple or straightforward. While the same rules apply to taxpayers when it comes to paying federal income taxes, each state has its own tax code and its own set of regulations for filing state taxes.
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To help you understand how state income taxes could impact you this year, GOBankingRates looked at four factors that affect your state income filing: state income brackets and their associated tax rates for single and joint filers; standard deduction amounts for single and joint filers; the personal exemption per filer; and the personal exemption per dependent.
With that information in hand, GOBankingRates ranked each of the 50 states from worst to best. The states are ranked by the effective income tax rate a person making the median income in that state could expect to pay, given a single filer with no dependents.
The following calculations were made based on 2021 state tax information sourced from the Tax Foundation and accurate as of January 2021. City- and county-level income taxes were not taken into account.
50. Oregon State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 5% | > | $0 |
| 7% | > | $3,550 |
| 9% | > | $8,900 |
| 9.9% | > | $125,000 |
Standard deduction: $2,315
Tax credit per filer and per dependent: $210
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 5% | > | $0 |
| 7% | > | $7,100 |
| 9% | > | $17,800 |
| 9.9% | > | $250,000 |
Standard deduction: $4,630
Tax credit per filer and per dependent: $210
Yes, federal taxes are deducted on a resident’s state return in Oregon while other local income taxes might be added. Even so, it’s the state that charges its median wage earner the highest rate, as a single filer making Oregon’s median income of $62,818 can expect to pay $5,196 in state income taxes, or 8.27% of yearly income.
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49. Hawaii State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.4% | > | $0 |
| 3.2% | > | $2,400 |
| 5.5% | > | $4,800 |
| 6.4% | > | $9,600 |
| 6.8% | > | $14,400 |
| 7.2% | > | $19,200 |
| 7.6% | > | $24,000 |
| 7.9% | > | $36,000 |
| 8.25% | > | $48,000 |
| 9% | > | $150,000 |
| 10% | > | $175,000 |
| 11% | > | $200,000 |
Standard deduction: $2,200
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $1,144
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.4% | > | $0 |
| 3.2% | > | $4,800 |
| 5.5% | > | $9,600 |
| 6.4% | > | $19,200 |
| 6.8% | > | $28,800 |
| 7.2% | > | $38,400 |
| 7.6% | > | $48,000 |
| 7.9% | > | $72,000 |
| 8.25% | > | $96,000 |
| 9% | > | $300,000 |
| 10% | > | $350,000 |
| 11% | > | $400,000 |
Standard deduction: $4,400
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $1,144
For Hawaii residents, federal tax payments are not deducted before state tax payments are due. Residents don’t owe other local income taxes.
A single filer earning Hawaii’s median income of $81,275 can expect to pay $5,777 in state income taxes, the highest dollar amount of any state, or 7.11% of yearly income.
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48. Montana State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1% | > | $0 |
| 2% | > | $3,100 |
| 3% | > | $5,400 |
| 4% | > | $8,200 |
| 5% | > | $11,100 |
| 6% | > | $14,300 |
| 6.9% | > | $18,400 |
Standard deduction: $4,710 for single filers, $9,420 for joint filers.
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $2,510
In Montana, federal taxes are deducted on the state return. No other local taxes are levied.
A single filer making Montana’s median income of $54,970 can expect to pay $2,881 in state income taxes, or 5.24% of yearly income.
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47. Arkansas State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 4% | > | $4,000 |
| 5.9% | > | $8,000 |
Standard deduction: $2,200 for single filers, $4,400 for joint filers.
Tax credit per filer and per dependent : $26
In Arkansas, federal tax payments are not deducted when factoring in the state return. Residents might also owe municipal or county taxes.
A single filer earning the median income of $47,597 in Arkansas can expect to pay $2,446 in state income taxes, or 5.14% of yearly income.
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46. Minnesota State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 5.35% | > | $0 |
| 6.8% | > | $26,960 |
| 7.85% | > | $88,550 |
| 9.85% | > | $164,400 |
Standard deduction: $12,400
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $4,300
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 5.35% | > | $0 |
| 6.8% | > | $39,410 |
| 7.85% | > | $156,570 |
| 9.85% | > | $273,470 |
Standard deduction: $24,800
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $4,300
In Minnesota, federal tax payments are not deducted on state returns.
A single filer making Minnesota’s median income of $71,306 can expect to pay $3,615 in state income taxes, or 5.07% of yearly income.
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45. New York State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 4% | > | $0 |
| 4.5% | > | $8,500 |
| 5.25% | > | $11,700 |
| 5.9% | > | $13,900 |
| 6.21% | > | $21,400 |
| 6.49% | > | $80,650 |
| 6.85% | > | $215,400 |
| 8.82% | > | $1,077,550 |
Standard deduction: $8,000
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 4% | > | $0 |
| 4.5% | > | $17,150 |
| 5.25% | > | $23,600 |
| 5.90% | > | $27,900 |
| 6.09% | > | $43,000 |
| 6.41% | > | $161,550 |
| 6.85% | > | $323,200 |
| 8.82% | > | $2,155,350 |
Standard deduction: $16,050
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
Federal taxes are not deducted on state returns in New York, and some other local income taxes might be owed.
A single filer earning the median income in New York of $68,486 can expect to pay $3,469 in state income taxes, or 5.07% of yearly income.
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44. Virginia State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 3% | > | $3,000 |
| 5% | > | $5,000 |
| 5.75% | > | $17,000 |
Standard deduction: $4,500
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $930
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 3% | > | $3,000 |
| 5% | > | $5,000 |
| 5.75% | > | $17,000 |
Standard deduction: $9,000
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $930
In Virginia, federal tax payments are not deducted on residents’ state returns. Additionally, no other income taxes are added for local counties or municipalities.
A single filer making the median income of $74,222 in Virginia can expect to pay $3,752 in state income taxes, or 5.05% of yearly income.
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43. Georgia State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1% | > | $0 |
| 2% | > | $750 |
| 3% | > | $2,250 |
| 4% | > | $3,750 |
| 5% | > | $5,250 |
| 5.75% | > | $7,000 |
Standard deduction: $4,600
Personal exemptions per filer: $2,700
Exemptions per dependent: $3,000
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1% | > | $0 |
| 2% | > | $1,000 |
| 3% | > | $3,000 |
| 4% | > | $5,000 |
| 5% | > | $7,000 |
| 5.75% | > | $10,000 |
Standard deduction: $6,000
Personal exemptions per couple: $7,400
Exemptions per dependent: $3,000
Federal taxes are not deducted before state income is determined. Georgia residents do not pay any other local income taxes.
Single filers making Georgia’s median income of $58,700 can expect to pay $2,938 in state income taxes, or 5.01% of their incomes.
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42. Massachusetts State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
All Massachusetts residents, regardless of how they’re filing, owe a flat 5% of their taxable income to the state.
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $4,400
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
Federal tax payments aren’t deducted on the state return in Massachusetts, and no other local income taxes apply.
A single filer earning Massachusetts’ median income of $81,215 can expect to pay $4,061 which would be 5% of yearly income.
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41. New Hampshire State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
All residents, regardless of how they’re filing, owe a flat 5% of their taxable income to the state.
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $2,400
Exemptions per dependent: N/A
Federal taxes are not deducted before assessing the state tax burden in New Hampshire. No other local income taxes apply.
A single filer making the annual median income in New Hampshire of $76,768 can expect to pay $3,838 in state income taxes, or 5% of yearly income.
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40. California State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1% | > | $0 |
| 2% | > | $8,809 |
| 4% | > | $20,883 |
| 6% | > | $32,960 |
| 8% | > | $45,753 |
| 9.3% | > | $57,824 |
| 10.3% | > | $295,373 |
| 11.3% | > | $354,445 |
| 12.3% | > | $590,742 |
| 13.3% | > | $1 million |
Standard deduction: $4,537
Tax credit per filer: $122
Tax credit per dependent: $378
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1% | > | $0 |
| 2% | > | $17,618 |
| 4% | > | $41,766 |
| 6% | > | $65,920 |
| 8% | > | $91,506 |
| 9.3% | > | $115,648 |
| 10.3% | > | $590,746 |
| 11.3% | > | $708,890 |
| 12.3% | > | $1 million |
| 13.3% | > | $1,181,484 |
Standard deduction: $9,074
Tax credit per filer: $244
Tax credit per dependent: $378
In California, federal tax payments are not deducted on state returns and no other local income taxes are added to the state return.
A single filer making California’s median income of $75,235 can expect to pay $3,743 in state income taxes, or 4.98% of yearly income.
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39. Illinois State Income Tax
Both single and joint filers pay 4.95% of their federal adjusted gross income, with modification, in state income taxes.
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $2,275
Federal tax payments are not deducted before assessing local tax burdens in Illinois. No other local income taxes apply.
A single filer making Illinois’s median income of $65,886 can expect to pay $3,261 in state income taxes, or 4.95% of yearly income.
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38. Maine State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 5.8% | > | $0 |
| 6.75% | > | $22,200 |
| 7.15% | > | $52,600 |
Standard deduction: $12,400
Personal exemptions per filer: $4,300
Personal exemptions per dependent: $300
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 5.8% | > | $0 |
| 6.75% | > | $44,450 |
| 7.15% | > | $105,200 |
Standard deduction: $24,800
Personal exemptions per filer: $4,300
Personal exemptions per dependent: $300
Federal tax payments are not deducted on state returns in Maine, and residents are not subjected to additional local income taxes.
A single filer earning Maine’s median income of $57,918 annually can expect to pay $2,862 in state income taxes, or 4.94% of yearly income.
37. Connecticut State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3% | > | $0 |
| 5% | > | $10,000 |
| 5.5% | > | $50,000 |
| 6% | > | $100,000 |
| 6.5% | > | $200,000 |
| 6.9% | > | $250,000 |
| 6.99% | > | $500,000 |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $15,000
Exemptions per dependent: $0
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3% | > | $0 |
| 5% | > | $20,000 |
| 5.5% | > | $100,000 |
| 6% | > | $200,000 |
| 6.5% | > | $400,000 |
| 6.9% | > | $500,000 |
| 6.99% | . | $1,000,000 |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $24,000
Exemptions per dependent: $0
In Connecticut, federal taxes are not reduced from one’s income when calculating state taxes, and no local income taxes are added.
A single filer making Connecticut’s median income of $78,444 can expect to pay $3,864 in state income taxes, or 4.93% of yearly income.
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36. Idaho State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.13% | > | $0 |
| 3.13% | > | $1,541 |
| 3.63% | > | $3,081 |
| 4.63% | > | $4,622 |
| 5.63% | > | $6,162 |
| 6.63% | > | $7,703 |
| 6.93% | > | $11,554 |
Standard deduction: $12,400
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: N/A
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.13% | > | $0 |
| 3.13% | > | $3,082 |
| 3.63% | > | $6,162 |
| 4.63% | > | $9,244 |
| 5.63% | > | $12,324 |
| 6.63% | > | $15,406 |
| 6.93% | > | $23,108 |
Standard deduction: $24,800
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: N/A
In Idaho, federal tax payments are not deducted before local tax payments are assessed. No other local income taxes are due.
A single filer making Idaho’s median income of $55,785 can expect to pay $2,741 in state income taxes, or 4.91% of yearly income.
35. Utah State Income Tax
The same flat 4.9% tax rate applies to all income-earning residents in Utah.
Standard deduction per filer: $744
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $579
Federal taxes are not deducted on state returns and no other local income taxes are added.
A single filer making Utah’s median income of $71,621 can expect to pay $3,508 in state income taxes, or 4.9% of yearly income.
34. Delaware State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2.2% | > | $2,000 |
| 3.9% | > | $5,000 |
| 4.8% | > | $10,000 |
| 5.2% | > | $20,000 |
| 5.55% | > | $25,000 |
| 6.6% | > | $60,000 |
Standard deduction: $3,250 for single filers, $6,500 for joint filers.
Tax credit per filer and per dependent: $110
Federal taxes are not removed before calculating state tax burden in Delaware, and residents might owe local income taxes at municipal or county levels.
A single filer making Delaware’s median income of $68,287 can expect to pay $3,276 in state income taxes, or 4.8% of his income.
33. Iowa State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 0.33% | > | $0 |
| 0.67% | > | $1,638 |
| 2.25% | > | $3,276 |
| 4.14% | > | $6,552 |
| 5.63% | > | $14,742 |
| 5.96% | > | $24,570 |
| 6.25% | > | $32,760 |
| 7.44% | > | $49,140 |
| 8.53% | > | $73,710 |
Standard deduction: $6,275 for single filers, $12,550 for joint filers.
Tax credit per filer and per dependent: $40
Federal tax payments are removed before assessing local tax payments in Iowa. Local taxes beyond state payments might apply.
Given Iowa’s median income of $60,523, a single filer can expect to pay $2,874 in state income taxes, or 4.75% of yearly income.
32. Kentucky State Income Tax
Both single and joint filers pay 5% of their federal adjusted gross income in state income taxes.
Standard deduction per filer: $2,650 for single filers, $5,300 for joint filers.
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: N/A
In Kentucky, federal tax payments are not deducted when assessing state taxes. Some other local income taxes might apply.
Single filers earning Kentucky’s median income of $50,589 can expect to pay $2,397 in state income taxes, or 4.74% of their incomes.
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31. Alabama State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 4% | > | $500 |
| 5% | > | $3,000 |
Standard deduction: $2,500
Personal exemptions per filer: $1,500
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 4% | > | $1,000 |
| 5% | > | $6,000 |
Standard deduction: $7,500
Personal exemptions per filer: $1,500
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
In Alabama, federal taxes are deducted before state taxes are determined, and local municipal or county taxes might apply.
A single filer making Alabama’s median income of $50,536 can expect to pay $2,362 in state income taxes, or 4.67% of yearly income.
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30. Kansas State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3.1% | > | $0 |
| 5.25% | > | $15,000 |
| 5.7% | > | $30,000 |
Standard deduction: $3,000
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $2,250
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3.1% | > | $0 |
| 5.25% | > | $30,000 |
| 5.7% | > | $60,000 |
Standard deduction: $7,500
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $2,250
No other local taxes apply in Kansas, and federal tax payments are not deducted before assessing one’s state tax burden.
A single filer making Kansas’s median income of $59,597 will pay roughly $2,769 in state income taxes, or 4.65% of yearly income.
29. Colorado State Income Tax
In Colorado, all residents pay 4.63% of their federal taxable income, with modification, to the state. Taxes at the municipal or county levels could be levied, and one’s federal tax burden is not deducted before calculating one’s state return.
A single filer residing in Colorado and making the median income of $72,331 can expect to pay $3,349 in state income taxes, or 4.63% of yearly income.
28. Nebraska State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2.46% | > | $0 |
| 3.51% | > | $3,290 |
| 5.01% | > | $19,700 |
| 6.84% | > | $31,750 |
Standard deduction: $7,000
Tax credit per filer and per dependent: $140
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2.46% | > | $0 |
| 3.51% | > | $6,570 |
| 5.01% | > | $39,410 |
| 6.84% | > | $63,500 |
Standard deduction: $14,000
Tax credit per filer and per dependent: $140
Federal taxes are not deducted on the state filing in Nebraska, and no other local taxes are owed on income.
A single filer earning the median income in Nebraska would make $61,439 a year and owe $2,813 in state income tax, which would be 4.58% of yearly income.
27. Maryland State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 3% | > | $1,000 |
| 4% | > | $2,000 |
| 4.75% | > | $3,000 |
| 5% | > | $100,000 |
| 5.25% | > | $125,000 |
| 5.5% | > | $150,000 |
| 5.75% | > | $250,000 |
Standard deduction: $2,300
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $3,200
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 3% | > | $1,000 |
| 4% | > | $2,000 |
| 4.75% | > | $3,000 |
| 5% | > | $150,000 |
| 5.25% | > | $175,000 |
| 5.5% | > | $225,000 |
| 5.75% | > | $300,000 |
Standard deduction: $4,600
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $3,200
Other local taxes might apply in Maryland for some residents, and federal tax payments are not deducted on state returns before assessing local tax burdens.
A single filer earning Maryland’s median income of $84,805 will pay roughly $3,866 in state income taxes, or 4.56% of yearly income.
26. Wisconsin State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 4% | > | $0 |
| 5.21% | > | $11,970 |
| 6.27% | > | $23,930 |
| 7.65% | > | $263,480 |
Standard deduction: $11,050
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $700
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 4% | > | $0 |
| 5.21% | > | $15,960 |
| 6.27% | > | $31,910 |
| 7.65% | > | $351,310 |
Standard deduction: $20,470
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $700
In Wisconsin, federal tax payments are not deducted on the state return and no other local income taxes apply.
A single filer making Wisconsin’s median income of $61,747 can expect to pay $2,780 in state income taxes, or 4.5% of yearly income.
25. South Carolina State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 0% | > | $0 |
| 3% | > | $3,070 |
| 4% | > | $6,150 |
| 5% | > | $9,230 |
| 6% | > | $12,310 |
| 7% | > | $15,400 |
Standard deduction: $12,400 for single filers, $24,800 for joint filers.
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $4,190
Federal tax payments are not deducted on the state return and no other local taxes are added.
A single filer earning the median income in South Carolina of $53,199 can expect to pay $2,333 in state income taxes, or 4.39% of yearly income.
24. Mississippi State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3% | > | $3,000 |
| 4% | > | $5,000 |
| 5% | > | $10,000 |
Single Filers
Standard deduction: $2,300
Personal exemptions per filer: $6,000
Exemptions per dependent: $1,500
Joint Filers
Standard deduction: $4,600
Personal exemptions per filer: $12,000
Exemptions per dependent: $1,500
Federal tax payments are not deducted from one’s taxes on the state level in Mississippi. Also, no other local taxes are due in the state.
Single filers earning Mississippi’s median income of $45,081 can expect to pay $1,959 in state income taxes, or 4.35% of their incomes.
23. Michigan State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
All residents, regardless of how they’re filing, owe 4.25% of their federal adjusted gross income.
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $4,750
Exemptions per dependent: $4,400
Federal tax payments aren’t deducted on the state return in Michigan, and other local municipal or county taxes might also be due.
A single filer making Michigan’s median income of $57,144 can expect to pay $2,429 in state income taxes, or 4.25% of yearly income.
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22. West Virginia State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3% | > | $0 |
| 4% | > | $10,000 |
| 4.5% | > | $25,000 |
| 6% | > | $40,000 |
| 6.5% | > | $60,000 |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $2,000
In West Virginia, federal tax payments are not deducted on state returns, but local income taxes could be levied.
A single filer making West Virginia’s median income of $46,711 will pay about $1,978 in state income taxes, or 4.23% of yearly income.
21. North Carolina State Income Tax
Single and joint filers in North Carolina pay a flat 5.25% tax on all income. Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent are not applicable for both single and joint filers. The standard deduction is $10,750 for single filers and $21,500 for joint filers.
A single filer making North Carolina’s median income of $54,602 can expect to pay $2,302 in state income taxes, or 4.22% of his income.
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20. Oklahoma State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 0.50% | > | $0 |
| 1% | > | $1,000 |
| 2% | > | $2,500 |
| 3% | > | $3,750 |
| 4% | > | $4,900 |
| 5% | > | $7,200 |
Standard deduction: $6,350
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $1,000
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 0.50% | > | $0 |
| 1% | > | $2,000 |
| 2% | > | $5,000 |
| 3% | > | $7,500 |
| 4% | > | $9,800 |
| 5% | > | $12,200 |
Standard deduction: $12,700
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $1,000
Taxes paid on one’s federal taxes are not deducted when filing state taxes in Oklahoma. No other local taxes are added to state filings.
In Oklahoma, a single filer earning the median income in the state of $52,919 can expect to pay $2,140 in state income taxes, or 4.04% of yearly income.
19. Vermont State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3.35% | > | $0 |
| 6.6% | > | $39,600 |
| 7.6% | > | $96,000 |
| 8.75% | > | $200,200 |
Standard deduction: $6,150
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $4,250
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3.35% | > | $0 |
| 6.6% | > | $66,150 |
| 7.6% | > | $159,950 |
| 8.75% | > | $243,750 |
Standard deduction: $12,300
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $4,250
Federal taxes are not deducted on state returns in Vermont, and no other local income taxes are added to the state return.
A single filer residing in Vermont and earning the median income of $61,973 can expect to pay $2,397 in state income taxes, or 3.87% of yearly income.
18. Missouri State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.5% | > | $105 |
| 2% | > | $1,053 |
| 2.5% | > | $2,106 |
| 3% | > | $3,159 |
| 3.5% | > | $4,212 |
| 4% | > | $5,265 |
| 4.5% | > | $6,318 |
| 5% | > | $7,371 |
| 5.4% | > | $8,424 |
Standard deduction: $12,400 for single filers, $24,800 for joint filers.
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: N/A
In Missouri, the federal tax payment is deducted on the state filing, also other local income taxes might apply.
Single filers making Missouri’s median income of $55,461 can expect to pay $2,143 in state income taxes, or 3.86% of their incomes.
17. New Jersey State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.4% | > | $0 |
| 1.75% | > | $20,000 |
| 3.5% | > | $35,000 |
| 5.53% | > | $40,000 |
| 6.37% | > | $75,000 |
| 8.97% | > | $500,000 |
| 10.75% | > | $5 million |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $1,000
Exemptions per dependent: $1,500
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.4% | > | $0 |
| 1.75% | > | $20,000 |
| 2.45% | > | $50,000 |
| 3.5% | > | $70,000 |
| 5.53% | > | $80,000 |
| 6.37% | > | $150,000 |
| 8.97% | > | $500,000 |
| 10.75% | > | $5 million |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $1,000
Exemptions per dependent: $1,500
Federal taxes are not deducted on state returns in New Jersey, and some other local municipal and county taxes might apply.
A single filer residing in New Jersey and earning the median income of $82,545 can expect to pay $3,134 in state income taxes, or 3.8% of yearly income.
16. Louisiana State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 4% | > | $12,500 |
| 6% | > | $50,000 |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $4,500
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2% | > | $0 |
| 4% | > | $25,000 |
| 6% | > | $100,000 |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $9,000
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
In Louisiana, federal tax payments are deducted on the state filing. Residents don’t owe any other local taxes.
Single filers making Louisiana’s median income of $49,469 can expect to pay $1,729 in state income taxes, or 3.49% of their incomes.
15. Rhode Island State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 3.75% | > | $0 |
| 4.75% | > | $65,250 |
| 5.99% | > | $148,350 |
Standard deduction: $8,900 for single filers, $17,800 for joint filers.
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $4,150
Federal taxes are not deducted on the state return in Rhode Island, and no other local income taxes are added.
A single filer earning Rhode Island’s median income of $67,187 will pay roughly $2,185 in state income taxes, or 3.25% of yearly income.
14. Indiana State Income Tax
Single and joint filers pay 3.23% of their federal adjusted gross income to the state of Indiana.
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer: $1,000
Exemptions per dependent: $1,000
Other county or municipal taxes might apply, and federal tax payments are not deducted before assessing residents’ state tax burdens.
A single filer earning Indiana’s median income of $56,303 can expect to pay $1,819 in state income taxes, or 3.23% of yearly income.
13. New Mexico State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.7% | > | $0 |
| 3.2% | > | $5,500 |
| 4.7% | > | $11,000 |
| 4.9% | > | $16,000 |
| 5.9% | > | $210,000 |
Standard deduction: $12,400
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: N/A
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.7% | > | $0 |
| 3.2% | > | $8,000 |
| 4.7% | > | $16,000 |
| 4.9% | > | $24,000 |
Standard deduction: $24,800
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: N/A
Federal taxes are not deducted on state returns in New Mexico, and no other local income taxes are levied.
In New Mexico, a single filer making the median income of $49,754 can expect to pay $1,551 in state income taxes, or 3.12% of early income.
12. Pennsylvania State Income Tax
Single and joint filersin Pennsylvania pay 3.07% in state taxes if they’re earning any income. Standard deductions, personal exemptions and exemptions for dependents are not applicable.
Federal taxes are not deducted before assessing state tax burdens in Pennsylvania, and other local income taxes might be added.
A single filer making Pennsylvania’s median income of $61,744 can expect to pay $1,896 in state income taxes, or 3.07% of yearly income.
11. Arizona State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2.59% | > | $0 |
| 3.34% | > | $26,500 |
| 4.17% | > | $53,000 |
| 4.5% | > | $159,000 |
Standard deduction: $12,400
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $100
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2.59% | > | $0 |
| 3.34% | > | $53,000 |
| 4.17% | > | $106,000 |
| 4.5% | > | $318,000 |
Standard deduction: $24,800
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: $100
Federal tax payments aren’t deducted before determining state income tax burdens, and no other local taxes apply to Arizona residents.
A single filer making Arizona’s median income of $58,945 can expect to pay $1,356 in state income taxes, or 2.3% of yearly income.
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10. Ohio State Income Tax
Single and Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 2.85% | > | $21,750 |
| 3.33% | > | $43,450 |
| 3.8% | > | $86,900 |
| 4.41% | > | $108,700 |
| 4.8% | > | $217,400 |
Standard deduction: N/A
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: $2,350
Federal tax payments aren’t deducted for Ohio residents on their state taxes, and other local income taxes might be added.
Single filers making Ohio’s median income of $56,602 can expect to pay taxes worth 1.87% of that income, totaling $1,056.
9. North Dakota State Income Tax
Single Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.1% | > | $0 |
| 2.04% | > | $39,450 |
| 2.27% | > | $95,500 |
| 2.64% | > | $199,250 |
| 2.9% | > | $433,200 |
Standard deduction: $12,400
Personal exemptions per filer: N/A
Exemptions per dependent: N/A
Joint Filers
Tax rate by income bracket:
| 1.1% | > | $0 |
| 2.04% | > | $65,900 |
| 2.27% | > | $159,200 |
| 2.64% | > | $242,550 |
| 2.9% | > | $433,200 |
Standard deduction: $24,800
Personal exemptions per filer and per dependent: N/A
Federal tax payments are not deducted on state filings in North Dakota and no other local income taxes are levied.
A single filer making North Dakota’s median income of $64,894 will pay $700 in state income taxes, or 1.08% of yearly income.
8. Alaska State Income Tax
Those residing in Alaska can rejoice: The state doesn’t charge its residents any state income tax.
A single filer making Alaska’s median income of $77,640 can expect to pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
7. Florida State Income Tax
Florida does not charge its residents any state income taxes.
In Florida, single filers making the median income of $55,660 can expect to pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
6. Nevada State Income Tax
Nevada residents benefit from the fact that the state does not levy a state income tax.
A single filer earning Nevada’s median income of $60,365 can expect to pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
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5. South Dakota State Income Tax
No state tax is levied in South Dakota.
A single filer making South Dakota’s median income of $58,275 will pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
4. Tennessee State Income Tax
Tennessee does not charge its residents income tax.
A single filer making Tennessee’s median income of $53,320 will pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
3. Texas State Income Tax
Texans don’t pay any taxes to the state on their income.
Single filers making Texas’ median income of $61,874 will pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
2. Washington State Income Tax
Residents of the State of Washington do not pay any state taxes.
A single filer earning Washington’s median income annually of $73,775 can expect to pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
1. Wyoming State Income Tax
Those residing in Wyoming do not pay state income taxes.
A single filer making Wyoming’s median income of $64,049 can expect to pay $0 in state income taxes, or 0% of yearly income.
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Jami Farkas contributed to the reporting of this article.
Methodology: For this piece, GOBankingRates reported on four factors that affect state income tax filings: (1) 2021 income brackets and their associated tax rates for single and joint filers, (2) 2021 standard deduction amounts for single and joint filers, (3) the personal exemption per filer, and (4) the personal exemption per dependent. GOBankingRates sourced all four factors from the Tax Foundation. Then, GOBankingRates used 2019 data from the American Community Survey conducted by the Census Bureau to find (5) the median household income in each state. Using an in-house tax calculator and data from the Tax Foundation, assuming a single filer with no dependents taking the standard deduction, GOBankingRates then calculated (6) the effective state income tax rate on a person making the median income in each state. States were then ranked against each other with the state with the highest effective income tax rate (the worst state for income tax) listed at No. 1.
Last updated: Feb. 16, 2021
