State and Local Personal Income Tax
In addition to the federal government, 43 states and many local municipalities require their residents to pay a personal income tax. Learn how to pay your state taxes and find out about resources in your area that can help you through the process.
Pay Your Local and State Income Taxes
The amount of state and local income tax you pay will depend on how much income you earn and the tax rate of the state or locality where you live. To find out how much you owe and how to pay it, find personal income tax information by state.
Find State and Local Personal Income Tax Resources
Your State Taxpayer Advocate can protect your rights, privacy, and property during the assessment and collection of taxes. Contact your state’s department of revenue to find out your rights and whether you have a taxpayer advocate or ombudsman.
States may impose a tax on the sale of goods and services. Rates may vary by county. Typically, you pay sales tax when you purchase goods or services.
Sales Tax Exclusions and Exemptions
Exclusions in sales tax often include food, clothing, medicine, newspapers, and utilities. In addition, certain groups are often exempt from paying sales tax. Charitable, religious, and educational groups are often excused under certain conditions.
Use Tax
Many states also have a use tax. Similar to a sales tax, a use tax is imposed for the storage, use, or purchase of personal property. If the personal property isn’t covered by sales tax, a use tax is levied. Typically, use tax applies to:
Sales and Use Tax Resources
Learn more about sales and use tax, including state sales tax rates and other important information:
Property taxes are typically collected by your state or local government. Your state establishes the guidelines under which local government can impose property taxes. Each of the 50 states has its own criteria for what property is taxable.
Some states allow local communities to tax real property. This includes land and items that are permanently attached to the land. Real property includes homes, factories, wharves, and condominiums.
States can also permit local governments to tax personal property. This includes moveable property, such as:
Boats
Cars
Jewelry
Airplanes
Computer equipment
Tools
Furniture
The amount of tax you pay is calculated using the total value of the property or a certain percentage of the total value.
Find property tax information by state.
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Last Updated:
January 10, 2020
