July 30, 2026

USA TODAY: States are relying more on sales taxes. Here’s why that matters

Over time, some states have slashed corporate and personal income taxes while also raising the sales tax rate. In 11 states, “all three of those things have happened,” said Sarah Austin, a senior analyst at ITEP and author of the report.

Sarah Austin

Senior Analyst

Institute on Taxation
and Economic Policy

ITEP is a non-profit, non-partisan tax policy organization. We conduct rigorous analyses of tax and economic proposals and provide data-driven recommendations to shape equitable and sustainable tax systems.

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USA TODAY: States are relying more on sales taxes. Here’s why that matters

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Sarah Austin

Institute on Taxation
and Economic Policy

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USA TODAY: States are relying more on sales taxes. Here’s why that matters

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Institute on Taxationand Economic Policy

Subscribe to ITEP Emails

Promote Fair Tax Policy

Institute on Taxation
and Economic Policy