Today, I kick off my series on state taxes! The plan is to make it from A to, er, W (Alabama to Wyoming).
It’s worth noting that the series is meant to be a primer, not an exhaustive list of all taxes and rates applicable to any given states. I practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so I am not familiar with the nuances in other states. So, while I’m making every effort to do my homework, I’m relying on resources from those individual states and of course, my fellow tax professionals.
I also want to note that I’m focusing on the major taxes that affect individuals, largely income taxes, gas taxes and sales taxes. Since real estate taxes vary wildly even within individual states, I likely won’t mention those unless there’s a tax of significant interest. I won’t be covering business taxes or excise taxes unless I find them particularly curious. Why? Because it’s my blog and I’ll post what I want to (do I have to have a reason?).
I may ruminate a bit about local taxes – especially Philly (Mayor Nutter, are you reading?) and New York. But don’t count on much in the way of local taxes otherwise. The exception will be those local townships and cities where, you, the reader, offer me some insight.
I really do welcome personal anecdotes about your experiences in various states. I’m especially interested in folks who have moved for tax reasons (be sure and vote in the poll) as well as quirky tax rules. You can send your thoughts via email or leave as a comment.
And finally, I’m going to refer to each state’s overall tax burden as determined by the Tax Policy Center – and then talk a little bit about how I feel about the tax structure in each state. Tax system too complicated? Taxes too high? You know, the good stuff. But that only works as a conversation if you chime in, too. So let me know what you think as we go along – but play nice! I don’t want folks beating other states up “just because” – like “just because” the Phils kicked the Rays’ butts in Game One of the World Series (and Mom, I apologize in advance for using the word “butt” – I know how you feel about such strong language).
So, what are you waiting for? Play ball! Let’s get started!
And once more with feeling: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.
Crack Tax – Tennessee
“The tax is due by any dealer who possesses an unauthorized substance upon which the tax has not been paid as evidenced by a stamp available from the Tennessee Department of Revenue. A “dealer” is any person who possesses one or more marijuana plants or more than 42.5 grams of marijuana, seven or more grams of any other unauthorized substance that is sold by weight, 10 or more dosage units of any other unauthorized substance not sold by weight, or any illicit alcoholic beverage.”
Picture of the stamp http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2007/0701/crack_tax_0111.jpg
I know, this is one of the great ones! I’ve blogged it: http://www.taxgirl.com/crack-dealers-finally-get-a-break/
Also look for the stripper tax (Texas) towards the end of the series.
There’s more where that comes from, folks!
Yeah, Phillies. This Red Sox fan (and former Philly resident) was happy to be a Phan for a series. Had to dig my wife’s Phillies hat out of storage (she had long given up on them and doesn’t wear baseball hats anyway).
Called my former neighbor right after the final out. He, a longtime season ticketholder and lifelong philly guy (and owner of the best small seafood restaurant in Philly, just SW of Rittenhouse Sq). He said people were dancing in the streets on 22nd.
I live in NJ now (talk about taxes!) but miss Philly, if for no other reason than the fact that muggers knew and feared me. Jersey, not so much.