How often is the rankings data updated?

Every year for the new tax year, with mid-year refreshes when states pass rate changes. Pages display a 'Reviewed for Tax Year 2026' badge.

What data sources back these rankings?

Official IRS publications, state departments of revenue, the Tax Foundation, the Congressional Research Service, and U.S. Census Bureau ACS data — see Data Sources.

Can I republish a TaxEase chart or ranking?

Yes, with attribution and a link back to the source page. Email research@taxease.money for high-resolution exports.

Updated June 2026Reviewed for Tax Year 2026

2026 Tax Rankings & Research Center

Data-driven rankings, tax maps, state comparisons, and research reports covering taxes across all 50 states. Built for journalists, financial planners, retirees, relocators, and personal-finance writers. All datasets sourced from official state and federal authorities and refreshed for tax year 2026.

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Rankings

States With No Income Tax

Most cited

All 9 states that don't tax wages — with the trade-offs.

Lowest Tax States 2026

Ranked overall tax burden — income + property + sales.

Highest Tax States 2026

Where total tax burden bites the hardest.

Property Tax Rankings

All 50 states ranked by effective property tax rate.

Sales Tax Rankings

Combined state + average local sales tax, ranked.

Best States for Retirees

Retirement friendliness score: SS, pensions, property, sales.

Worst States for Retirees

States where retirement income gets taxed hardest.

Tax Maps

US Income Tax Map

Color-coded map of state effective income tax rates.

US Property Tax Map

Effective property tax rate by state.

US Sales Tax Map

Combined state + local sales tax by state.

US Retirement Tax Map

Retirement friendliness score by state.

Research Reports

Where $100k Goes Farthest

Take-home pay on a $100k salary, ranked by state.

How Much Tax You Pay on $100k

Total federal + state + FICA on a $100k single filer.

Tax Burden by State

Composite burden share for the typical household.

Best State for High Income Earners

Where $500k earners keep the most after tax.

Best State for Business Owners

Combined personal + corporate + franchise taxes ranked.

Methodology & Sources

Research Methodology

How we compute every ranking and score.

Data Sources

The official authorities behind the numbers.

Editorial Policy

Review process, corrections, and update schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is the rankings data updated?: Every year for the new tax year, with mid-year refreshes when states pass rate changes. Pages display a 'Reviewed for Tax Year 2026' badge.
What data sources back these rankings?: Official IRS publications, state departments of revenue, the Tax Foundation, the Congressional Research Service, and U.S. Census Bureau ACS data — see Data Sources.
Can I republish a TaxEase chart or ranking?: Yes, with attribution and a link back to the source page. Email research@taxease.money for high-resolution exports.