Taxes at Every Level
Each level of government provides its own services and therefore levies its own taxes to generate revenue for these services.
All Related Articles
Proposed Head Tax, Social Media Tax, and Cloud Tax Increases Would Hurt Chicago
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s (D) 2026 budget includes a new employer head tax, a new tax on social media companies, and an increase in the “cloud tax,” among other proposed tax increases that would hurt employment and penalize innovation.
8 min read
DC Should Be Judicious About Decoupling from the OBBBA
While the Council of DC is right to consider decoupling its tax code from several revenue-reducing provisions in the OBBBA, they should maintain conformity with the business expensing reforms that are strongly pro-growth, better align with sound tax principles, and primarily change the timing of revenues.
4 min read
What’s the Best Way to Limit Property Tax Bill Increases?
When property values soar, homeowners can end up paying significantly higher taxes for basically the same services. Thankfully, there is a solution.
Testimony: Kansas Sales Tax Modernization and Income and Property Tax Relief Considerations
Kansas policymakers’ proposal to expand the sales tax base is well-intentioned but could be designed more prudently.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Creates Unequal Tax Treatment for Gambling Losses
In a surprising tax code alteration that has frustrated Americans who enjoy gambling, a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act limits gambling losses that can be used to offset gambling winnings to 90 percent of their value. This provision introduces a steep tax penalty for professional gamblers and certain casual bettors.
5 min read
Cigarette Taxes and Cigarette Smuggling by State, 2023
Growing cigarette tax levels and differentials have made cigarette smuggling both a national problem and a lucrative criminal enterprise.
6 min read
Wisconsin’s Proposed Retirement Income Exclusion Would Shift Tax Burdens to Working Families over Time
With reports that Republican legislative leaders and Wisconsin Gov. Evers (D) have reached a budget deal for FY 2026 and 2027, it is worth examining two significant tax relief proposals included in the plan.
7 min read
Illinois Policymakers Should Think Twice Before Taxing GILTI
If Illinois’ budget is enacted as-is, Illinois will newly tax 50 percent of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) as of tax year 2025, retroactively increasing tax burdens for US businesses and further hindering Illinois’ business tax competitiveness.
7 min read
Ohio Should Wean Off Cigarette Tax Revenue and Pursue Healthier Fiscal Policy
Instead of doubling down on a shrinking tax base, Ohio lawmakers should instead look towards tax solutions that secure the state’s long-term fiscal health.
4 min read
Florida’s Property Tax Reform Push: Weighing the Options Amidst a Lack of Consensus on the State Budget
Florida’s latest property tax debate highlights the familiar challenge of prioritizing pro-growth tax policy while tackling rising property tax burdens.
6 min read
State Implications of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
As the US House hashes out its “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” statehouse lawmakers are watching closely, given the impact of both its tax and spending provisions on state budgets.
12 min read
Montana Property Tax Reform Options: A Tax Shift Is Not a Tax Reform
With such important changes to Montana’s property tax system at stake, it’s important that lawmakers get the details right.
5 min read
Can States Really Axe the Property Tax?
As home values have spiked, Florida and other states are weighing elimination of property taxes.
State and Local Tax Collections Per Capita by State, 2025
According to the latest economic data from the US Census Bureau, the average per capita state and local tax burden is $7,109. However, collections vary widely by state, reflecting differences in tax rates and bases, natural resource endowments, the scale and scope of taxable economic activity in each state, and residents’ political preferences.
5 min read
States Lose When Credit Unions Acquire Banks
A tax preference originally designed to level the playing field now has the opposite effect, creating preferences for one class of financial institutions even though the distinctions between credit unions and banks are increasingly blurred.
6 min read
North Carolina Should Refine Its Tax Reduction Triggers
By implementing a more sophisticated and nuanced trigger system for its tax reduction goals, North Carolina can sustain its trajectory toward lower tax rates, reinforce its reputation as a business-friendly state, and ensure long-term fiscal stability in an ever-changing economic landscape.
4 min read
Missouri’s New Tax Cut Bill Sets the Stage for a Flat Tax Future
The flat tax trend is gaining momentum nationwide, and Missouri lawmakers are right to identify income tax rate reductions as particularly pro-growth.
4 min read
No Tax on Tips and Overtime Proposals Gain Steam Across States, but Remain a Bad Idea
The trend of tax exemptions on tips, overtime, and bonuses may sound like a win for workers, but it is a shortsighted fix with long-term drawbacks.
11 min read
North Dakota’s Property Tax Reform Proposals: A Three-Part Approach
North Dakota’s financial position provides it with a rare capacity to deliver meaningful property tax relief. However, policymakers must balance immediate relief with fiscal sustainability and ensure that local governments remain adequately funded in the years ahead.
5 min read