What You Need to Know About States With No Income Tax

1642

Of 50 US states, there are 7 states with no income tax. If you currently live in a state that takes a substantial cut of your pay for income tax, moving to one of these other seven states may seem like a tempting option. That said, as the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for." While there are certainly benefits to having higher take-home pay, not paying any income tax leads to other costs.
Here's how to determine which option is best for your finances.

Also read: What Qualifies As Proof Of Income?

No Income Tax Creates A Pro-Growth Atmosphere

One of the main proponents for no income tax states is the ability to attract young employees who will promote growth. Since many young people carry serious amounts of student loan debt, the prospect of not having to give up another chunk of their pay can be enticing.

You, Will, Pay More In Other Taxes

Unfortunately, while states without an income tax may not take money out of your paycheck, they do collect taxes in other ways. For example, many states with lower income tax rates charge higher rates for sales taxes, gasoline taxes, or property taxes. These additional taxes can raise living costs above the savings gained from no sales tax.

Also read: Mandatory Deductions From Your Paycheck

What's Better For The Poor?

One of the benefits of income taxes is that they are considered a "progressive" tax. This is because individuals who make more money pay a larger percentage of their wealth in taxes than people who make less money. In this way, the income tax is a major way to redistribute income. By contrast, sales taxes are considered "regressive," because consumers pay the same amount no matter how much money they make.
As a result, poorer people will pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than richer people. So, while a no income tax state might be better for a wealthy person, a person with a lower income might do better elsewhere.

Handling Income Earned In Other States

If you live in one state and work in another state, this will affect the way you report your income. So, if you live in a state with income tax but earn income in a state without income tax, you will still have to report this income in your home state. Likewise, if you live in a state without income tax, you will pay income tax if you work in a state with income tax.
Keep this in mind before you take a job across state lines. Working in another state could result in paying extra taxes, which may make any extra pay you're earning not worth it in the long run.

Handling Pay Stubs In States With No Income Tax

With these tips in mind, you can choose if you want to live in a state with income tax. Whether you live in one of the states with no income tax or not, you will still need paystubs for reporting your income for federal tax purposes. Let's get you started and help you create paystubs with the paystub maker in minutes!


Frequently Asked Questions

Some states with no income tax offer tax credits or deductions for property taxes or other taxes paid, which can help offset the overall tax burden.

No, federal income tax is separate from state income tax and is not affected by the state you live in.

The overall tax burden varies depending on the specific state and its mix of income, sales, and property taxes. It is important to consider the entire tax picture when comparing states.

These states typically rely on other forms of taxation, such as sales taxes, property taxes, and taxes on natural resources, to generate revenue.

States with no income tax may have less funding for public services, which could lead to reduced quality of services such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

It depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Consider factors such as the overall tax burden, cost of living, job opportunities, and quality of life before making a decision.

Cons include the possibility of higher sales taxes, property taxes, and other fees to make up for the lack of income tax revenue. Public services could also receive less funding.

Pros include potentially higher take-home pay, increased disposable income, and a lower overall tax burden for residents.

Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not have a state income tax. Tennessee and New Hampshire only tax investment income and interest.

It depends on your specific financial situation, spending habits, and the overall tax structure of the state. A lower income tax burden may be offset by higher sales or property taxes.
Create Your Paystub in 2 minutes

Try our instant paystub generation tool. Flip through our templates page
to chose your best match and receive your stub instantly.

Go ahead and create your own stub now!
What You Need to Know About States With No Income Tax
James Wilson

After graduating from McCombs School of Business in Texas, James joined ThePayStubs as a CPA to make sure the numbers we provide our clients are correct. Read More

Related Articles
money back guarantee
100% Security
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Gold stars

Great Service

First time creating a stub. Customer support was AMAZING. I had a few self-induced issues and customer support was there from start to end.

Brandon Wilson

Need Help? Chat with us and we'll help you fill the form.

Brett Hello! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I'm just a message away!

We respond immediately

Welcome to our chat support! Glad to have you. Please fill out the form for personalized assistance, and we'll be with you right away.
Start the chat