How States Raise Their Tax Dollars
FY 2018
These data has been updated. Click here for new data.
Taxes make up about half of state government revenue, with the bulk coming from levies on personal income and general sales of goods and services.
Broad-based personal income taxes are the greatest source of tax dollars in 31 of the 41 states that impose them, with the highest share—70.2 percent—in Oregon. General sales taxes are the largest source in 15 of the 45 states that collect them. Florida is the most reliant on these taxes, at 64.3 percent. Other sources bring in the most tax revenue in a handful of states: severance taxes in Alaska and North Dakota, property taxes in Vermont, and selective sales taxes on particular goods and services, such as tobacco and hotel rooms, in New Hampshire.
This infographic illustrates the sources of each state’s tax revenue, showing percentages for the two largest streams. See downloadable data for other percentages.
Spotlight on Mental Health
MORE FROM PEW
Explore Pew’s new and improved
Fiscal 50 interactive
Your state's stats are more accessible than ever with our new and improved Fiscal 50 interactive:
- Maps, trends, and customizable charts
- 50-state rankings
- Analysis of what it all means
- Shareable graphics and downloadable data
- Proven fiscal policy strategies
Welcome to the new Fiscal 50
Key changes include:
- State pages that help you keep track of trends in your home state and provide national and regional context.
- Interactive indicator pages with highly customizable and shareable data visualizations.
- A Budget Threads feature that offers Pew’s read on the latest state fiscal news.