State Tax Calculator

Calculate state income tax by state

State & Income
State Tax Summary
State Tax: $0
Taxable Income: $0
Effective Rate: 0%
Marginal Rate: 0%

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What is State Income Tax?

State income tax is levied by individual states on income earned within that state. Rates and structures vary dramatically - from 0% in nine states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, New Hampshire) to over 13% in California for high earners. State taxes are deductible on federal returns (subject to $10,000 SALT cap), making them a key factor in relocation decisions.

This calculator helps you understand your state tax burden based on your residence, income level, and filing status. For remote workers or those considering relocation, comparing state taxes can reveal significant savings opportunities. Remember to consider total tax burden including property and sales taxes, not just income tax.

How to Use

Step 1: Select your state of residence.
Step 2: Choose filing status.
Step 3: Enter annual income.
Step 4: Add state deductions.
Step 5: Click "Calculate" to see estimate.
Step 6: Compare states if considering a move.

Examples

California: Income: $100,000, Single. State tax: ~$4,500. Effective rate: ~4.7%. Progressive rates up to 13.3%.

Texas: Income: $100,000. State tax: $0. Effective rate: 0%. No state income tax.

Illinois: Income: $100,000. State tax: ~$4,950. Flat 4.95% rate on taxable income.

Who Should Use This?

  • Remote Workers - Compare after-tax income by state.
  • Retirees - Evaluate retirement destinations.
  • Relocators - Factor taxes into moving decisions.
  • High Earners - Assess high-tax vs no-tax states.

Pro Tips

  • No-income-tax states: TX, FL, NV, WA, WY, SD, AK, TN, NH.
  • SALT cap limits state tax deduction to $10,000 on federal.
  • Reciprocity agreements between states prevent double taxation.
  • Remote workers may owe tax to both resident and employer states.
  • Some states exempt Social Security and pension income.
  • Moving mid-year requires part-year returns in both states.

FAQ

Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and New Hampshire (only interest/dividends taxed in NH). These states fund government through sales tax, property tax, and other revenue sources.
How do state tax brackets work?
Most states use progressive brackets (like federal) where higher income is taxed at higher rates. Some states (Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts) use flat tax where all income is taxed at the same rate. California has the most progressive system with 9 brackets.
Can I deduct state taxes on my federal return?
State income tax is deductible as part of SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction, but capped at $10,000 per household. This limit affects high earners in high-tax states most significantly.
Do I pay tax where I work or live?
Generally, you pay tax to your resident state on all income. If you work in a different state, you may owe tax there too, but your resident state typically gives a credit for taxes paid to other states. Some neighboring states have reciprocity agreements to simplify this.
Which states tax retirement income?
Most states don't tax Social Security. Many exempt pension income (Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, Hawaii). States with no income tax don't tax any retirement income. Check specific state rules as they vary significantly.
What is tax reciprocity?
Reciprocity agreements allow workers who live in one state but work in another to pay tax only to their resident state. Common examples include DC metro area agreements and Midwest state compacts. Eliminates double taxation and simplifies filing.
What's the most tax-friendly state?
Depends on your situation. No-tax states are best for high earners. States like Florida, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania are popular with retirees due to no tax on Social Security/pensions. Consider total burden: income + property + sales taxes.