We have recently updated two important tables on our website. Check them out below. The tables represent tax changes enacted as of July 1, 2009. There are several states still in the budgeting process and more tax changes are always possible. State Sales, Gas, Cigarette, and Alcohol Taxes: Ten states have increased cigarette taxes in the first half of 2009: Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Rhode Island passed New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts this year to take the number one spot with a tax of $3.46 per pack. Rounding out the top 5 are New York at $2.75, New Jersey at $2.70, Hawaii at $2.60, and Wisconsin at $2.52. Hawaii’s rate is scheduled to increase to $2.80 in July 2010 and $3.00 in July 2011. Four states increased their sales tax rates this year. California went from 7.25% to 8.25%, Massachusetts moved from 5% to 6.25%, Minnesota’s rate went from 6.5% to 6.875%, and Nevada’s rate increased from 6.5% to 6.85%. Only New York and New Jersey chose to increase statutory alcohol taxes this year. Corporate Income Tax: There have been very few large changes to state corporate income tax systems so far this year. Oregon added a second tax rate of 7.9% on income over $250K on top of its 6.6% rate, which will be in effect for tax years 2009 and 2010. Kansas’ top rate was reduced slightly from 7.1% to 7.05% on income over $50K.
