Comprehensive State Tax Comparison Tool?

[Midpack]

In 2013 when we first starting looking at relocation, I had a bead on a good tool to compare the total tax burden from one state vs another. Now I am only finding pieces of each. Are any of you aware of a good, current tool to compare states? We're getting serious about relocation again. I realize we'll still have to fill in some blanks on local/city taxes ourselves.

• income taxes (retiree specific would be even better)
• state sales taxes
• property taxes (imposed at the state level by 36 states)
• excise taxes--for example, taxes on gasoline, cigarettes, and liquor
• user fees--for example, fees to camp in state parks or to drive on state highways, and
• other taxes, such as death and gift taxes, and documentary and stock transfer taxes.

 

[REWahoo]

https://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state

 

[Midpack]

https://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state

. Oops. I found that, and in retrospect it's what I used before. Somehow I remembered it providing a comparison already laid out and summarized in table form - but I think I'm mistaken...

Thanks.

 

[nwsteve]

Kiplinger is always good for at least sorting out the ones you do not want-- State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Retirees

 

[braumeister]

Another fairly useful source for property taxes at the county level:

Property taxes: How does your county compare? - CNNMoney.com

 

[ERD50]

Watch out for things like rent controls and restrictive liquor regulations. Some states have really weird restrictions on beer (and wine I assume?). IL seems pretty good in that regard, the screwed up thing is the 'inside baseball' of distribution, and even that has gotten a little better (relaxed self-distribution rules, I think).

-ERD50

 

[rodi]

Watch out for things like rent controls and restrictive liquor regulations. Some states have really weird restrictions on beer (and wine I assume?). IL seems pretty good in that regard, the screwed up thing is the 'inside baseball' of distribution, and even that has gotten a little better (relaxed self-distribution rules, I think).

-ERD50

Ain't that the truth. California sells liquor and beer and wine in grocery stores and convenience stores (presuming they have the appropriate license.

I moved to WA state and, at the time, you could buy beer and wine at the grocery store - but liquor meant a trip to the state store.

Then I moved to PA and found that beer was to be purchased *by the case* from beer distributors.... or for a higher price, you could get six packs of beer from restaurants (pizza joints and deli's usually). Wine and liquor was from state stores.

Then I moved to Atlanta - and made a mistake trying to buy beer at a grocery store on a Sunday... it was available in the store - but only during certain hours.

I'm gladly back in California where I don't have to check a calendar before shopping, and don't need to make multiple stops before a party.

 

[bingybear]

You asked for property taxes imposed by the states. In some cases property taxes imposed by the locality - often city can be significant. In Ohio the city/school district property tax can be a significant part of the residential property taxes.

edit: some places may also have city or county income taxes. (my city does)

 

[gerntz]

Another fairly useful source for property taxes at the county level:

Property taxes: How does your county compare? - CNNMoney.com

Thing is, I can't see that where that chart takes into account property values; i.e., high value locations have high average taxes, in general.

 

[REWahoo]

Thing is, I can't see that where that chart takes into account property values; i.e., high value locations have high average taxes, in general.

Did you see the option to view the info "as percent of home value"?