While there is no state in the U.S. that doesn't have property taxes on real estate, some have much lower property tax rates than others. Here's how property taxes are calculated. The effective property tax rate is used to determine the places with the lowest and highest property taxes in the nation.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2022 American Community Survey; Tax Foundation calculations. In calendar year 2022 (the most recent data available), New Jersey had the highest effective rate on owner-occupied property at 2.08 percent, followed by Illinois (1.95 percent) and Connecticut (1.78 percent).
As a senior citizen, you probably will end up paying property taxes for as long as you are a homeowner. However, depending on the state you live in and often once you hit your 60s (usually around the ages of 61 to 65), you may be eligible for a property tax exemption.
Which Are the Tax-Free States? Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming are the only states that do not levy a state income tax. Note that Washington does levy a state capital gains tax on certain high earners.
Connecticut is the only state with a flat estate tax rate of 12 percent. Combined with its high exemption value of $13.61 million, Connecticut has a well-structured estate tax that makes it suitable for possible reforms and eventual elimination.
Florida Property Taxes
Property taxes in Florida come in a bit below national averages. The state's average effective property tax rate is 0.80%, which is lower than the U.S. average (0.99%). The typical homeowner in Florida pays $2,338 annually in property taxes, although that amount varies greatly between counties.
Schools levy most of the property taxes – about two-thirds across Illinois. Illinois has nearly 7,000 local government units with the power to demand property taxes, far more than any other state.
It does not have a state income tax or state sales tax. Alaska does, however, have a state property tax, and it is able to impose significant taxes on the oil and gas companies that operate there. Its cities and other local jurisdictions can also impose sales tax at the local level, and they often do.
So what are the lowest income tax states? At the top of the list are the 9 states with no state earned income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. That's not to say these are no-tax states.
Topping the list was Massachusetts. "Massachusetts is the best state to live in, due in large part to its strong health care system and high-quality education," said WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe in a statement.
It's no secret why Florida continues to be one of the best states to retire in 2024. With a warm and sunny climate, retirees enjoy Florida's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities year-round. From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic, Florida offers endless opportunities for leisure.
How can I avoid paying taxes on a car? Drivers in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon don't pay sales tax on the purchase of a new or used car. Also, some states have other laws that will allow you to avoid paying sales tax in certain circumstances.
What State Has the Highest Income Tax? California has the highest state income tax, with a rate of up to 13.3%. California has graduated-rate income taxes that range from 1% to a 13.3% tax rate on income of more than $1 million.
Eight U.S. states currently have no state income tax whatsoever: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. New Hampshire, the ninth state on our list, only taxes interest and dividend income.