Travis H. Long, CPA, Inc. Blog

Originally published in the Cedar Street Times

November 30, 2012

Depending on how you look at it, Californians could now consider themselves the highest taxed state in the U.S. after our recent passage of Proposition 30 on our November ballots.  Proposition 30 increased income tax rates by one to two percent on people earning over $250,000.  It also made these increase retroactive as of 1/1/2012.  If you are subject to these higher tax rates, be aware that your state withholdings are likely inadequate and you should talk to your tax professional about making an additional payment by April.  No penalties will be assessed for under withholding to the extent that it is attributable to the tax hike, and you pay it by April 15, 2013.

Our top rate on our highest earners is now 13.3%, commanding an impressive 2.3% margin over second place Hawaii (11%), and 3.4% over third place Oregon (8.9%).  Other states in the high eights include Iowa, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Vermont, and New York.

You do have to keep in mind that some places have city taxes also.  But even a penthouse occupant in New York City that has a state tax of 8.82% and a city tax of 3.876% (combined 12.696%) would not have to muster up the cash of a wealthy dessert dweller in California.

Of course, there are many ways that states bring in revenue, such as sales tax, property tax, inheritance tax, auto taxes, etc.  So you cannot really base overall tax burden on income taxes alone. If you are looking for overall low tax burden states you may wish to consider Wyoming, Alaska, Florida, the Dakotas, Montana, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, or Alabama.  Different states also have distinct advantages for people earning different types of income or have different types of deductions.  The more you have at stake, the more tax planning may become a factor in where you choose to reside.

If you want to know more specifically how California’s new increases may affect you, here are the details:  California taxable income over $250,000 for single filers, $500,000 for married filers, and $340,000 for Head of Household filers will be taxed at 10.3%. Taxable income over $300,000 single, $600,000 married, and $408,000 HOH will be taxed at 11.3%.  Taxable income over $500,000 single, $1,000,000 married, and $680,000 HOH will be taxed at 12.3%.  And anyone with over $1,000,000 taxable income will also be assessed an additional 1% mental health tax.

Prior articles are republished on my website at www.tlongcpa.com/blog.

IRS Circular 230 Notice: To the extent this article concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law.

Travis H. Long, CPA is located at 706-B Forest Avenue, PG, 93950 and focuses on trust, estate, individual, and business taxation. He can be reached at 831-333-1041.