2026’s Tax Per Capita Shockers: 4 States Where You’ll Pay Nearly Double the National Average

Tax Burden Overview - Washington, D.C. has the highest per capita tax grab at $14,979, although it does not have the highest tax percentage of income due to non-residents being taxed in their home states [1] - Hawaii has the highest state tax burden at 13.9% of income, followed closely by New York at 13.6% [7][9][10] - California has over $70 billion in unaccounted federal tax dollars under Governor Gavin Newsom, contributing to high state tax burdens [7][24] State-Specific Tax Details - Hawaii's cumulative tax burden includes 4.2% in state income taxes, 2.6% in property taxes, and 7.2% in sales and excise taxes, with unique taxation on gross receipts of businesses [11] - New York City has a complex tax structure with a state income tax rate of 10.9% and additional local income taxes, making it one of the most expensive cities [15][17] - Vermont has the highest property tax rates in the nation at an average of 1.78%, with a progressive income tax rate that reaches 8.75% [20] Taxation Trends and Impacts - High state and local taxes in blue states are a major factor affecting affordability for residents, particularly in large cities [5] - The average federal tax paid per capita by U.S. citizens is approximately $13,800, while the average state and local tax is around $7,100, indicating significant discrepancies [3] - California's high taxes include a top state income tax rate of 13.3% and the highest gas tax in the nation at 90 cents per gallon [29]