12 US Cities With Unique Taxes

You’ve heard the Benjamin Franklin quote, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes,” but what’s not certain is what gets taxed. You might be surprised to find that your city or a city you’re thinking of moving to has a tax you had no idea about.

Here are some taxes from across the U.S. that you might not have heard of. And the wildest things your taxes are paying for.

Cell Phone Tax

Having a cell phone in Chicago is going to cost you more than just a service fee. A family with a four-line plan that costs $100 a month will have to pay 34% of their bill to taxes on average.

Take Our Poll: What Do You Plan To Use Your Tax Refund For?

Wild Blueberry Tax

Thinking of bringing blueberries to your next picnic in Maine? You’ll have to pay a tax for that. Wild blueberries are subject to a tax of 1.5 cents per pound if they’re processed in the state. 

Fireworks Tax

Any fireworks or sparklers selling in West Virginia are subject to a whopping 12% tax. 

Lawn Care Tax

If you want to get your lawn mowed by a professional in Little Rock (or anywhere in Arkansas for that matter), you’ll be subject to a 6.5% sales tax. Any sort of landscaping falls into this category as well. 

Discover: 7 Florida Cities That Could Be Headed for a Housing Crisis

Furs

Want a fur coat? In Minnesota, it will cost you extra. Though there is no sales tax on clothing in Minnesota, anything made with real fur will be taxed. 

Highest Tourist Tax in the U.S.

Tourism taxes are pretty common, but Honolulu takes it to a new level. Honolulu, on average, charges $62.85 per night per person, depending on the room cost. That can add up to more than $439 in tax for a week.

Gambling Winnings

So, you’ve just won a jackpot in Biloxi. Congratulations! You’ll be subject to a 3% income tax on that, though, so make sure to take that into account when you’re counting your cash.

Also See: 10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing

Food Packaging Tax

If you own a restaurant in Denver or anywhere else in Colorado, you’ll want to watch the types of disposable packaging you’re buying. According to Colorado state law, “nonessential” and disposable packaging that’s given to the consumer out of convenience (like plasticware in your to-go bag) is subject to a 2.9% sales tax.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning Tax

The next time you’re in Topeka, you might want to rethink sending your clothes out for dry cleaning. The entire state of Kansas imposes a 2.5% dry cleaning environmental fee on clothes laundering services. 

Boat Tax

Want to buy a boat in New Orleans? You’ll pay more than the sales price. Until June 30, 2025, anyone buying a boat in Louisiana will be subject to a 4.45% sales tax. 

Find: 6 Types of Retirement Income That Aren’t Taxable

Live Entertainer Tax

For those performing in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, you’ll have to give up some of your earnings to the state. If you make more than $300 as a musician, comedian, dancer or any other live performer, 2% of your earnings are taken out for taxes. 

Interest & Dividends Tax

No, you won’t have to pay income tax in the state of New Hampshire, but there is another tax you’ll have to pay. If you make money off investments, you’ll be subject to a 5% tax on your interest and dividends earned. 

More From GOBankingRates

• Houses in These Cities Are Suddenly Bargains
• See GOBankingRates' Top 100 Most Influential Money Experts and Vote for Your Favorite
• 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
• 48 Easy Things You Can Do To Live Better and Save Money