Federal income tax is a necessary evil, but residents in a few parts of the country don't have to pay state income taxes.
Eight U.S. states don't impose any kind of income tax and one only taxes income generated from interest and dividends.
In 32 states and Washington, D.C., residents are charged a progressive income tax, where higher earners contribute more of their income. Another nine issue a flat tax, in which everyone is charged the same rate, regardless of their income level.
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Xpert Assist is available with any plan for a flat fee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
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Live Assisted plan includes unlimited assistance and final review. Live Full Service includes a dedicated expert to complete and file your return.
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
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These states don't charge income tax
The states with no individual income tax include:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
New Hampshire, meanwhile, only taxes income generated from interest and dividends.
Moving to a state with no income tax comes with trade-offs, however, often in the form of higher sales, property or excise taxes: Tennessee's 9.56% combined sales tax rate is the second highest in the country after Louisiana. (The Volunteer State stopped taxing investment earnings in 2021.)
New Hampshire and Alaska rely the most on property taxes, which account for 67.6% and 51.8% of state revenue, respectively. And, at 49.4 cents a gallon, Washington state levies one of the highest gas taxes in the nation.
Since taxes are a big source of financing for public services, fewer taxpayer dollars can translate to less money for infrastructure, health care and education: Nationwide, the average public school spending in 2024 was $17,277 per student, while in Florida, it was $12,415 — the lowest in the country.
The best tax software for filing state taxes
Best for free state filing: Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes
Free version
Yes
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Live support
No
Tax refund advance loan
No
Read our review of Cash App Taxes
Pros
- Completely free
- Audit defense if the IRS audits your tax return
- Can get refund five days earlier if deposited in Cash App account
Cons
- No support from tax professionals
- Most information must be input manually
- Can't file returns for multiple states
Straightforward and free,Cash App Taxes allows you to file state and federal returns with access to nearly every IRS form and schedule. Multistate returns aren't supported, however, and professional support is limited.
Best for paid state filing: Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
Cost
A flat fee of $25 for online filing
Free version
No
Mobile app
No
Live support
Free live chat support, plus an option to file in an office
Terms apply.
Pros
- Simple step-by-step guidance that's easy to follow
- A low flat fee for all types of returns
- Free live chat support
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Satisfaction guarantee
- 100% accuracy guarantee
Cons
- No free filing option
- No mobile app
Jackson Hewitt charges a flat $25 fee for DIY federal and state returns — no matter how many states you need to file in. Other operations can charge upwards of $40 for each state filing.
Best for ease of use: TurboTax
TurboTax
Free version
TurboTax Free Edition. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for earned income tax credit, child tax credit and student loan interest). TurboTax reports that 37% of files qualify for the free edition.
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Live support
Live Assisted plan includes unlimited assistance and final review. Live Full Service includes a dedicated expert to complete and file your return.
Tax refund advance loan
Yes
Read our review of TurboTax tax software
Pros
- Step-by-step guidance with easy-to-follow Q&A format
- On-demand advice and a final review from a tax expert
- Live Full Service plan has a tax expert who can complete your return
- Offers tax refund advance loan
Cons
- More expensive than other tax-prep software programs
- May try to upsell you into getting pricier plan
TurboTax claims 37% of filers can file federal and state returns at no cost. The Free Edition is available to filers with W-2 income, qualified retirement distributions and limited 1099 interest and dividends. If you have unemployment income, stock sales, income from rental properties or self-employment income, however, you won't qualify.
Best for live support: H&R Block
H&R Block
Free version
Yes
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Customer support
AI Tax Assist and unlimited live chat available with all paid plans
Tax refund advance loan
Not with H&R Block Online
Read our review of H&R Block online
Pros
- Simple step-by-step guidance
- Free plan takes federal and state returns
- 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees
- Thousands of branches for in-person help
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Must have a paid plan to speak with a live tax expert
- Refund advance loans not available for online customers.
H&R Block charges $40 for state filing, but the AI Tax Assist feature, online chat and Worry-Free Audit Support are available with all paid tiers. H&R Block also has thousands of offices nationwide for in-person support.
When are state taxes due?
Taxes are traditionally due on April 15, and most state returns are due on the same day. A few have different deadlines, however.
- Hawaii: April 20, 2025
- Delaware: April 30, 2025
- Iowa: April 30, 2025
- Virginia: May 1, 2024
- Louisiana: May 15, 2025
In addition, regions of the country declared disaster zones by FEMA may be given an extension on filing taxes. For more information, consult with your state Department of Revenue.
State taxes FAQs
Does Texas have a state income tax?
Texas is among the states that do not charge a state income tax. It has one of the highest property taxes in the U.S., however, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.20%.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline?
If you miss the deadline and owe money, you'll incur a penalty that increases the longer you wait to file. If you have money coming back to you, however, you won't incur a penalty but you'll only have three years to file and receive your refund.
Where is my state tax refund?
Visityour state Department of Revenue website to find out about tracking the status of your state tax refund.
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