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Utah ranks 10th overall on the 2027 State Tax Competitiveness Index.

Score 5.61 / 10

Notable Changes Utah is singled out in the study for this year's and forthcoming changes.

In the 2027 Index

Utah improved five places, to 10th overall, as the state conformed to pro-growth provisions of the OBBBA from which some of its peers decoupled. Utah trimmed its individual and corporate income tax rates to 4.45 percent, building on years of modest rate reductions. More substantially, however, it conformed to the restoration of first-year expensing for both manufacturing machinery and equipment and for research and experimentation expenses. Utah also conformed to the new higher small business expensing cap under Section 179, and its inflation-adjusted tangible personal property (TPP) tax de minimis exemption improved relative to states with unindexed exemptions. Utah’s greatest improvement was in its corporate tax component, where its rank improved 7 places, from 15th to 8th.

Forthcoming, Not Yet Reflected

Utah enacted a tax on “targeted advertising” in 2026, which, while ostensibly broad, practically includes digital advertising alone. This change takes effect in January 2027, so it does not affect Utah’s score for this edition but will be reflected in next year’s Index.

Snapshot date: The 2027 Index measures each state's tax law as of July 1, 2026. Changes enacted after that date are not reflected in these ranks.

About Utah's Tax Code

Utah’s tax code features all major tax types, but the state ranks reasonably well on the Index because the taxes are imposed at competitive rates on relatively broad bases that introduce fewer economic distortions than rival states’ tax systems. Flat state-level individual and corporate income tax rates of 4.45 percent (with no local income taxes), imposed on reasonably broad bases, combine with low real property taxes and a regionally competitive sales tax to produce a favorable overall tax climate, which is reflected in the state’s favorable Index rank. Lawmakers have consistently trimmed state income tax rates as the state continues to experience strong revenue collections.

Utah largely avoids excessive taxation of in-state capital investment. It forgoes capital stock and gross receipts taxes and conforms to federal provisions for the first-year expensing of capital investment. And while, unlike some of its rivals, Utah does tax tangible personal property (chiefly business machinery and equipment), it offers a de minimis exemption to eliminate compliance costs for smaller businesses. Lawmakers have also made great strides in reducing sales taxation of business inputs, which leads to tax pyramiding and discourages in-state production. The state does, however, include net CFC tested income (NCTI), formerly global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI), in its corporate tax base, making it an outlier nationwide and particularly among lower-tax states. The state also imposes a throwback rule.

Component Scores

#10 overall · 5.61 / 10

Each component is scored from 0 to 10, where 10 is best. Select a component for its detail page.

2.557.510CorporateIndividualIncomeSalesPropertyUnemploymentInsurance
Utah Rank and Score by Component
Component Rank Score
Corporate Taxes #8 5.72 / 10
Individual Income Taxes #10 6.07 / 10
Sales Taxes #22 5.01 / 10
Property Taxes #12 5.79 / 10
Unemployment Insurance Taxes #29 5.06 / 10

Ranking Changes, 2020–2027

#10 in 2027 · up 3 places from 2020

Utah ranked 13th in 2020 and ranks 10th in 2027, an improvement of 3 places. The axis is zoomed to the state's range. Ranks for 2020 through 2026 are backcast under the current methodology.

RankHigher is better ↑9th11th13th15th17th202020212022202320242025202620271314141516161510
Show the Table
Utah Rank and Score by Year
Year OverallCorporateIndividual IncomeSalesPropertyUnemployment Insurance
2020 13 (5.48) 14 (5.49) 10 (5.90) 24 (4.82) 11 (5.66) 14 (5.47)
2021 14 (5.44) 15 (5.50) 10 (5.91) 27 (4.70) 10 (5.68) 17 (5.29)
2022 14 (5.49) 16 (5.53) 10 (5.96) 26 (4.75) 10 (5.74) 20 (5.34)
2023 15 (5.46) 15 (5.52) 10 (5.99) 26 (4.71) 11 (5.68) 23 (5.16)
2024 16 (5.45) 14 (5.51) 9 (5.97) 24 (4.72) 12 (5.71) 25 (5.02)
2025 16 (5.41) 15 (5.48) 9 (5.91) 25 (4.68) 12 (5.72) 29 (4.97)
2026 15 (5.47) 15 (5.49) 11 (5.88) 22 (4.98) 13 (5.68) 29 (5.02)
2027 10 (5.61) 8 (5.72) 10 (6.07) 22 (5.01) 12 (5.79) 29 (5.06)

Utah Compared across the States

#10 overall

Each row places the states on a 0 to 10 score scale for one measure. Utah is the large outlined dot, and the dashed line is the 50-state median, so a dot to its right scores better than the typical state. Hover over or tab to any dot for detail, and select it to open that state's profile.

Overall

#10 5.61

Corporate Taxes

#8 5.72

Individual Income Taxes

#10 6.07

Sales Taxes

#22 5.01

Property Taxes

#12 5.79

Unemployment Insurance Taxes

#29 5.06

  • Utah
  • Other states, by rank (1st to 50th)
  • 50-state median

Utah and Its Neighbors

#10 overall

Utah borders 6 states and ranks 10th overall; 1 of them ranks higher and 5 rank lower.

Utah Bordering states

What Each Component Includes

The five components of the Index, what each one covers, and where Utah lands. Open any component for the full breakdown.

  • Corporate Taxes

    Rank #8

    Includes corporate income taxes and gross receipts taxes. Measures the impact of each state’s principal tax on business activities.

    • Corporate Income Tax Rates
    • Tax Credits and Gross Receipts Deductions
    • Net Operating Losses
    • Treatment of Capital Investment
    • Other Corporate Base Variables
    Full Breakdown for Utah →
  • Individual Income Taxes

    Rank #10

    Covers the tax individuals pay on income, and with it a significant number of businesses — sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations — that report their income through the individual income tax code.

    • Individual Income Tax Rates
    • Marriage Penalty, Capital Income, Indexation
    • Other Individual Base Variables
    Full Breakdown for Utah →
  • Sales Taxes

    Rank #22

    Covers the general sales tax levied on the purchase price of goods and services, plus excise taxes on gasoline, diesel, tobacco, vapor products, beer, and spirits, and taxes on digital advertising.

    • Sales and Excise Tax Rates
    • Business-to-Business Exemptions
    • Consumer Goods and Services in the Base
    • Sales Tax Structure
    Full Breakdown for Utah →
  • Property Taxes

    Rank #12

    Includes taxes on real and personal property, net worth, and the transfer of assets — among them capital stock, estate, inheritance, and real estate transfer taxes.

    • Property and Capital Stock Tax Rates
    • Property Tax Bases
    Full Breakdown for Utah →
  • Unemployment Insurance Taxes

    Rank #29

    Covers the taxes employers pay into the state unemployment insurance program to finance benefits for workers recently unemployed.

    • UI Tax Rates
    • Experience Formulas and Charging Methods
    • Other UI Base Variables
    Full Breakdown for Utah →

Tax Data Explorer

Every policy variable behind Utah's 2027 scores, grouped by the report's tables, as of July 1, 2026. Its bordering states are shown alongside to start. Search the variables and values, or add up to 4 states to compare side by side.

152 data points · Shaded values differ from Utah

Corporate Taxes: Corporate Income Tax Rates

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Bracket 14.45% > $04.9% > $0 (differs)4.4% > $0 (differs)5.3% > $0 (differs)None (differs)5.9% > $0 (differs)None (differs)
Gross Receipts TaxNoNoNoNoYes (differs)NoNo
Gross Receipts Tax Minimum Raten.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.0.051% (differs)n.a.n.a.
Gross Receipts Tax Maximum Raten.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.0.331% (differs)n.a.n.a.
Gross Receipts Tax Rate Used in the Indexn.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.0.111% (differs)n.a.n.a.

Corporate Taxes: Tax Credits and Gross Receipts Deductions

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Job CreditsNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)Yes (differs)NoYes (differs)No
Research and Development CreditsYesYesYesYesNo (differs)YesNo (differs)
Investment CreditsYesYesYesYesNo (differs)YesNo (differs)
Compensation Expenses Deductiblen.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.No (differs)n.a.n.a.
Cost of Goods Sold Deductiblen.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.No (differs)n.a.n.a.

Corporate Taxes: Net Operating Losses

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Conforms to Federal NOL TreatmentYesNo (differs)No (differs)No (differs)n.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Carryback (Years)Conforms to federal treatment0 (differs)0 (differs)2 (differs)n.a. (differs)Conforms to federal treatmentn.a. (differs)
Carryback CapConforms to federal treatment$0 (differs)$0 (differs)$100,000 (differs)n.a. (differs)Conforms to federal treatmentn.a. (differs)
Carryforward (Years)Conforms to federal treatment20 (differs)20 (differs)20 (differs)n.a. (differs)Conforms to federal treatmentn.a. (differs)
Carryforward CapConforms to federal treatmentUnlimited (differs)80% (differs)Unlimited (differs)n.a. (differs)Conforms to federal treatmentn.a. (differs)

Corporate Taxes: Treatment of Capital Investment

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Section 168(k) Expensing100%0% (differs)100%0% (differs)100%100%100%
Conforms to Section 163(j) LimitationYesYesYesYesNo (differs)YesNo (differs)
GILTI Inclusion50% InclusionDecouples (differs)50% Inclusion15% Inclusion (differs)n.a. (differs)Decouples (differs)n.a. (differs)
Section 174 ExpensingYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Section 168(n) ExpensingYesNo (differs)YesNo (differs)YesYesYes

Corporate Taxes: Other Corporate Base Variables

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Federal Income Used as State Tax BaseYesYesYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)
Conformity StatusRollingStatic (current) (differs)RollingStatic (current) (differs)RollingRollingn.a. (differs)
Allows Federal ACRS or MACRS DepreciationYesYesYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)
Allows Federal DepletionYesYesYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)
Throwback RuleYesNo (differs)YesYesNo (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Foreign Tax DeductibilityNoNoNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)Yes (differs)n.a. (differs)
Corporate AMTNoNoNoNoNoNon.a. (differs)
Brackets Indexed for InflationFlat CITFlat CITFlat CITFlat CITGRT (differs)Flat CITn.a. (differs)

Individual Income Taxes: Individual Income Tax Rates

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Bracket 14.45% > $02.5% > $0 (differs)4.4% > $0 (differs)5.3% > $4,811 (differs)No Income Tax (differs)1.5% > $0 (differs)No Income Tax (differs)
Bracket 2n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.3.2% > $5,500 (differs)n.a.
Bracket 3n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.4.3% > $16,500 (differs)n.a.
Bracket 4n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.4.7% > $33,500 (differs)n.a.
Bracket 5n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.4.9% > $66,500 (differs)n.a.
Bracket 6n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.5.9% > $210,000 (differs)n.a.
Standard Deduction (Single Filer)$21,708$8,350 (differs)$16,100 (differs)$16,100 (differs)n.a. (differs)$16,100 (differs)n.a. (differs)
Personal Exemption (Single Filer)Combined with the standard deduction into one creditn.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)
Personal Exemption Credit (Single Filer)Combined with the standard deduction into one creditn.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)
Personal Exemption per Dependent$2,111n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)n.a. (differs)$4,000 (differs)n.a. (differs)
Personal Exemption Credit per Dependentn.a.$125 (differs)n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.
Average Local Income Tax RateNoneNone0.06% (differs)NoneNoneNoneNone
Surtaxes on Wage Incomen.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.

Individual Income Taxes: Marriage Penalty, Capital Income, Indexation

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Marriage PenaltyNoNoNoNon.a. (differs)Yes (differs)n.a. (differs)
Married Couples Can File Separately on One ReturnNoNoNoNon.a. (differs)Non.a. (differs)
Convenience RuleNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Interest TaxedYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Dividends TaxedYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Capital Gains TaxedYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Combined Capital Gains Tax Rate4.45%1.875% (differs)4.4% (differs)5.3% (differs)n.a. (differs)5.9% (differs)n.a. (differs)
Tax Brackets Indexed for InflationYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)No (differs)n.a. (differs)
Standard Deduction Indexed for InflationYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Personal Exemption Indexed for InflationYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Progressivity Ratio1.001.001.001.00n.a. (differs)1.37 (differs)n.a. (differs)

Individual Income Taxes: Other Individual Base Variables

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Federal Income Used as State Tax BaseYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
Conformity StatusRollingStatic (not current) (differs)RollingStatic (current) (differs)n.a. (differs)Rollingn.a. (differs)
Credits for Taxes Paid to Other StatesYesYesYesYesn.a. (differs)Yesn.a. (differs)
AMT LeviedNoNoYes (differs)Non.a. (differs)Non.a. (differs)
Recognition of S Corporation StatusYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Section 179 Expensing Limit$2,560,000$2,560,000$2,560,000$2,560,000$2,560,000$2,560,000$2,560,000
TipsTaxableExempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)n.a. (differs)Taxablen.a. (differs)
OvertimeTaxableExempt (differs)TaxableExempt (differs)n.a. (differs)Taxablen.a. (differs)
Filing and Withholding Threshold Index3.3335 (differs)0 (differs)1.98 (differs)10 (differs)2.5 (differs)10 (differs)

Individual Income Taxes: Other Individual Income Variables

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Income RecaptureNoNoNoNon.a. (differs)Non.a. (differs)

Sales Taxes: Sales and Excise Tax Rates

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
State Sales Tax Rate6.10%5.60% (differs)2.90% (differs)6.00% (differs)6.85% (differs)4.88% (differs)4.00% (differs)
Average Local Sales Tax Rate1.32%2.94% (differs)4.99% (differs)0.03% (differs)1.39% (differs)2.80% (differs)1.39% (differs)
Maximum Local Sales Tax Rate4.70%5.30% (differs)9.10% (differs)3.00% (differs)1.525% (differs)4.5625% (differs)3.00% (differs)
Gasoline Tax (Cents per Gallon)32.5519.00 (differs)30.18 (differs)33.00 (differs)24.81 (differs)18.88 (differs)24.00 (differs)
Diesel Tax (Cents per Gallon)38.5519 (differs)35.68 (differs)33 (differs)27.75 (differs)22.88 (differs)24 (differs)
Cigarette Tax (Dollars per Pack of 20)$2.20$2.00 (differs)$2.24 (differs)$0.57 (differs)$1.80 (differs)$2.00 (differs)$0.60 (differs)
Beer Tax (Dollars per Gallon)$0.4387$0.16 (differs)$0.08 (differs)$0.15 (differs)$0.16 (differs)$0.41 (differs)$0.0189 (differs)
Spirits Tax (Dollars per Gallon)$16.07$3.00 (differs)$2.28 (differs)$12.94 (differs)$3.60 (differs)$6.06 (differs)$0.00 (differs)
Vapor Tax Ratio to Cigarette Tax185.7833%n.a. (differs)146.5333% (differs)n.a. (differs)78.50% (differs)27.7778% (differs)39.25% (differs)

Sales Taxes: Business-to-Business Exemptions

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Business InputsSome TaxableSome TaxableSome TaxableSome TaxableSome TaxableSome TaxableSome Taxable
Farm EquipmentExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptPartial (differs)Exempt
Office EquipmentTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxable
Manufacturing MachineryExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)ExemptExempt
Manufacturing Raw MaterialsExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptExempt
Business Fuel and UtilitiesExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)ExemptExempt
Business Leases and RentalsTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxable
Information ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Software as a Service (SaaS)TaxableTaxableExempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)TaxableExempt (differs)
Platform as a Service (PaaS)ExemptTaxable (differs)ExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Digital B2B ProductsExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Payroll ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Data Center PurchasesExemptTaxable (differs)Taxable (differs)ExemptPartial (differs)Partial (differs)Partial (differs)
Digital Advertising TaxNoNoNoNoNoYes (differs)No

Sales Taxes: Consumer Goods and Services in the Base

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
GroceriesAlternate RateExempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Taxable (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)
ClothingTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxable
Prescription MedicationExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptExempt
Nonprescription MedicationTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxable
GasolineExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptExempt
LandscapingExemptTaxable (differs)ExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Repair ServicesTaxableExempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)TaxableTaxable
Real Estate ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
ParkingExemptTaxable (differs)ExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Dry CleaningTaxableExempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)Exempt (differs)TaxableTaxable
Fitness ServicesTaxableTaxableExempt (differs)TaxableExempt (differs)TaxableExempt (differs)
Barber ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Veterinary ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
E-BooksTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableExempt (differs)TaxableTaxable
Streaming VideoTaxableTaxableTaxableTaxableExempt (differs)TaxableTaxable
Medical ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Legal ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Financial ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Accounting ServicesExemptExemptExemptExemptExemptTaxable (differs)Exempt
Sales Tax HolidayNoNoNoNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)No

Sales Taxes: Sales Tax Structure

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Uniform Base DefinitionsYesNo (differs)No (differs)YesYesYesYes
Unified Tax AdministrationYesYesNo (differs)YesYesYesYes
Safe Harbor for Remote SellersGross Sales ThresholdGross Sales ThresholdGross Sales ThresholdGross Sales ThresholdSales or Transactions Threshold (differs)Gross Sales ThresholdGross Sales Threshold

Property Taxes: Property and Capital Stock Tax Rates

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Property Tax Collections per Capita$1,428$1,269 (differs)$2,379 (differs)$1,059 (differs)$1,582 (differs)$1,251 (differs)$2,635 (differs)
Property Tax as a Percentage of Personal Income2.12%1.92% (differs)2.88% (differs)1.70% (differs)2.26% (differs)2.14% (differs)3.04% (differs)
Assessment LimitNoYes (differs)NoNoNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)
Levy LimitNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)Yes (differs)Yes (differs)Yes (differs)No
Capital Stock Tax RateNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNone0.02% (differs)
Capital Stock Tax Maximum Paymentn.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.Unlimited (differs)
Payment Options for Capital Stock and Corporate Income Taxesn.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.Pay both (differs)

Property Taxes: Property Tax Bases

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Tangible Personal Property TaxYesYesYesYesYesNo (differs)Yes
Tangible Personal Property De Minimis Exemption$30,100$500,000 (differs)$56,000 (differs)$250,000 (differs)None (differs)n.a. (differs)$75,000 (differs)
Intangible Property TaxNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Inventory TaxNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Real Estate Transfer TaxNoNoYes (differs)NoYes (differs)NoNo
Split RollYesYesYesNo (differs)No (differs)YesYes
Split Roll Ratio1.821.55 (differs)3.82 (differs)1.00 (differs)1.00 (differs)1.11 (differs)1.33 (differs)
Estate TaxNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Inheritance TaxNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Gift TaxNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Unemployment Insurance Taxes: UI Tax Rates

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Minimum Rate0.10%0.03% (differs)0.72% (differs)0.21% (differs)0.30% (differs)0.33% (differs)0.10%
Maximum Rate7.10%8.36% (differs)10.85% (differs)5.40% (differs)5.40% (differs)6.40% (differs)8.60% (differs)
Taxable Wage Base$50,700$8,000 (differs)$30,600 (differs)$58,300 (differs)$43,700 (differs)$34,800 (differs)$33,800 (differs)
Most Favorable Schedule: Minimum Rate0.00%0.02% (differs)0.51% (differs)0.18% (differs)0.25% (differs)0.33% (differs)0.00%
Most Favorable Schedule: Maximum Rate7.00%5.40% (differs)6.28% (differs)5.40% (differs)5.40% (differs)5.40% (differs)8.50% (differs)
Least Favorable Schedule: Minimum Rate0.00%0.02% (differs)0.75% (differs)0.96% (differs)0.25% (differs)0.33% (differs)0.00%
Least Favorable Schedule: Maximum Rate7.00%5.40% (differs)10.39% (differs)6.80% (differs)5.40% (differs)5.40% (differs)8.50% (differs)
Employer Contributions as a Share of Total Wages0.35%0.20% (differs)0.62% (differs)0.53% (differs)0.97% (differs)0.45% (differs)0.43% (differs)
Employer Contributions as a Share of Taxable Wages0.61%1.25% (differs)1.86% (differs)0.79% (differs)1.70% (differs)0.86% (differs)0.89% (differs)
Trust Fund Solvency Ratio1.150.9 (differs)0.4 (differs)1.47 (differs)0.83 (differs)0.56 (differs)2.36 (differs)
New Employer Rate3.00%2.00% (differs)1.70% (differs)3.34% (differs)2.95% (differs)1.00% (differs)3.00%

Unemployment Insurance Taxes: Experience Formulas and Charging Methods

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Experience Formula Based OnBenefits RatioReserve Ratio (differs)Reserve Ratio (differs)Reserve Ratio (differs)Reserve Ratio (differs)Benefits RatioBenefits Ratio
Benefits Charged in Proportion to Base-Period WagesYesYesNo (base-period employers in inverse chronological order) (differs)No (most recent or principal employer) (differs)No (most recent or principal employer) (differs)YesYes
Charged If Employee's Benefit Award Is ReversedNoNoNoNoYes (differs)NoNo
Charged for Reimbursements on Combined Wage ClaimsNoNoNoNoNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)
Charged If Employee Left VoluntarilyNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Charged If Employee Was Discharged for MisconductNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Charged If Employee Refused Suitable WorkYesYesYesNo (differs)YesNo (differs)Yes
Charged If Employee Continues to Work Part-TimeNoNoNoNoYes (differs)NoNo

Unemployment Insurance Taxes: Other UI Base Variables

VariableUtahArizonaColoradoIdahoNevadaNew MexicoWyoming
Solvency TaxNoNoYes (differs)NoNoNoYes (differs)
Taxes for Socialized Costs or Negative Balance EmployersYesNo (differs)No (differs)No (differs)No (differs)No (differs)Yes
Loan and Interest Repayment SurtaxesNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)Yes (differs)Yes (differs)NoNo
Reserve TaxesNoNoNoYes (differs)NoNoNo
Surtaxes for UI Administration or Non-UI PurposesNoNoNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)NoYes (differs)
Temporary Disability InsuranceNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Voluntary ContributionsNoYes (differs)Yes (differs)NoNoYes (differs)No
Years to Qualify for Experience Rating12 (differs)11.5 (differs)3 (differs)2 (differs)3 (differs)

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About the Authors

Janelle Fritts Tax Foundation
Expert

Janelle Fritts

Senior Policy Analyst

Janelle Fritts is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Tax Foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy. She is the lead researcher on the annual State Tax Competitiveness Index and serves as a resource to policymakers in their efforts to modernize and improve the structures of their state tax codes. Her work has been cited in The New York Times, the Associated Press, Bloomberg, and numerous state media outlets across the country.

Jared Walczak Tax Foundation
Expert

Jared Walczak

Senior Fellow

Jared Walczak is a Senior Fellow at the Tax Foundation, where he spent five years as Vice President of State Projects, and president of Walczak Policy Consulting.

Nicole Fox Tax Foundation
Expert

Nicole Fox

Policy Analyst

Nicole Fox is a Policy Analyst with the Center for State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation, where she serves as a resource to policymakers in their efforts to modernize and improve the structure of their state tax codes.

Katherine Loughead Tax Foundation
Expert

Katherine Loughead

Vice President of State Tax Policy

Katherine Loughead is the Vice President of State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation, where she oversees the state tax policy team’s research agenda and serves as a resource to policymakers in their efforts to modernize and improve the structure of their state tax codes.

Media Contacts

Sarah Wilbur Tax Foundation Media Relations Contact

Sarah Wilbur

Communications Manager

Sarah Wilbur is Communications Manager at the Tax Foundation where she advances the organization’s institutional reach by developing its corporate communications and media programs.

Jesse Solis Tax Foundation

Jesse Solis

Vice President of Communications

Jesse Solis is Vice President of Communications at the Tax Foundation, where he leads the communications team and works to build coverage of Tax Foundation’s experts and their work across the globe. He joined the team in 2021 as Communications Manager and became Communications Director in 2024.