Annual data from the U.S. Census Bureau appear to lend support to Texas’ reputation as a “low tax state,” ranking it 39th nationally in taxes collected as a share of personal income.1 But focusing on the state’s overall tax revenues has led many observers to overlook the fact that different taxpayers experience Texas’ tax system very differently. In particular, the poorest 20 percent of Texans pay significantly more of their income (12.5 percent) in state and local taxes than any other group in the state. 2 For low-income families, Texas is far from being a low tax state. In fact, only six states tax their poorest residents more heavily than Texas.
Publications
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report September 17, 2015 Low Tax for Whom?: Texas is a “Low Tax State” Overall, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
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report September 19, 2013 Texas is a “Low Tax State” Overall, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
Read the Report in PDF Form See all “Low Tax for Who?” states New data from the Census Bureau appear to lend support to Texas’ reputation as a “low tax… -
report August 15, 2011 Texas is a Low Tax State, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
Data from the Census Bureau shows that overall, Texas could be considered a “low tax state.” However, families living near or below the poverty line generally do not experience Texas… -
report September 15, 2010 Census Data Reveal Texas’ Fundamental Tax Mismatch: Texas is a Low Tax State, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
Recently released data from the Census Bureau confirms that overall Texas could be considered a “low tax state.” However, families living near or below the poverty line generally do not…