Tax Policy Center

Fiscal Facts

E.g., 06/20/2024
E.g., 06/20/2024
In 2017, 10 states set top unemployment taxes at 5.4% (the max federal credit rate). All other states set higher rates with seven over 10%.

September 11, 2017

September 11, 2017
Between 1979 and 2013, the average tax burden ranged between 17.3% (2009) and 22.8% (2000). The 2013 value was right in the middle: 20.1%.

September 4, 2017

September 4, 2017
In constant 2014 dollars, the average EITC recipient received $2,400 in 2014, four times the amount received in 1983.

August 28, 2017

August 28, 2017
The 10% of households with the highest incomes bore over 50% of federal tax liabilities each year from 2004-2013.

August 21, 2017

August 21, 2017
In constant 2014 dollars, state and local tobacco tax revenue peaked at $19 billion in 2012.

August 14, 2017

August 14, 2017
Since World War II ended, the top individual income tax rate has ranged from 28 percent to 92 percent. The top rate is now 39.6 percent.

August 7, 2017

August 7, 2017
Unlike all other OECD countries, which levy VATs at rates ranging from 5 to 27 percent (ignoring subnational rates), the US has no VAT.

July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017
Using 2013 dollars, the average income for the top 1 percent was $355,000 in 1979, nearly $1.5 million in 2007, and over $1 million in 2013.

July 24, 2017

July 24, 2017
On average, low-income families with children "pay" negative federal income taxes because most receive refundable tax credits.

July 17, 2017

July 17, 2017
Just 0.18% of deaths triggered estate tax liabilities in 2013, down from a 1976 peak of 7.65%; this reflects larger estate tax exemptions.

July 10, 2017

July 10, 2017
IRS collections in just 5 states -- California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas -- totaled $1.3 trillion in 2016, 39% of the US total.

July 3, 2017

July 3, 2017
In 2017, workers owe no Social Security tax on earnings above $127,200, up from $3,000 in 1950.

June 26, 2017

June 26, 2017
In 2017, taxpayers with 3 or more children can receive a maximum EITC of $6,318. Maximum EITC for those without children is $510.

June 19, 2017

June 19, 2017
In 2017, state taxes on a pack of cigarettes range from 17 cents in Missouri to $4.35 in New York. Median tax: $1.53.

June 12, 2017

June 12, 2017
State and local taxes averaged 10.1% of residents’ personal income in 2014. N. Dakota raised the most due to oil and gas extraction taxes.

June 5, 2017

June 5, 2017