A recent analysis by Wallethub.com compared all 50 states overall state and local tax burdens including property taxes, individual income taxes, sales and excise taxes as a share of total personal income. The study measured the average percentage of total personal income that a resident must contribute to cover their state and local tax burden.

Unfortunately, the numbers confirm what we already know. Maine’s tax burden as a share of personal income (10.5%) is the 4th highest in the country, following New York, Hawaii, and Vermont. Our neighbors in New Hampshire (6.84%) enjoy the 46th lowest state and local tax burden in the country.       

The Takeaway  – The latest, rapid expansion of state and local government spending combined with the lowest per capita personal income in New England means a lot less money in our pockets compared to residents from other states.