On November 7, 2009, the House of Representatives passed a health care reform bill that includes a 5.4% surtax aimed at high-income tax returns. Those who would be hit by the surtax pay 36% of all federal taxes. This map, using data from our report “If Health Surtax Is 5.4 Percent, Taxpayers in 39 States Would Pay a Top Tax Rate Over 50%,” shows the top effective marginal tax rate if the surtax is enacted. This is the tax imposed on each additional dollar of income after the top tax rate has kicked in. (More on average vs. marginal tax rates here.) In 39 states, the combined top tax rate would be over 50% (shown in yellow and blue). In 8 states, the combined top tax rate would be over 55% (shown in blue) Click on the image for larger size version of “Top Effective Marginal Tax Rates Under House Health Care Plan.” Click here for the map in printer-friendly or alternative formats (PDF, TIFF). For technical notes, see the original report. Previous maps: Sales Tax Combined Local and Average Rates State Business Tax Climate Index Property Taxes on Owner-Occupied Housing
