What Do the Richest 1% Really Pay in Taxes?

Cameron Huddleston

Back in September, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced a deal that raised taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents to help the struggling middle class. This bill — one of the first of its kind — posed a critical question to the rest of the United States: Is taxing the rich a viable way to ride out the pandemic?

Imposing a “wealth tax” on the nation’s upper class isn’t a new concept, although it is a controversial one. Currently, the top federal income tax rate is 37% for 2019 returns; but throughout U.S. history, it’s been much higher. It peaked at 94% in 1944 and 1945, according to the Tax Policy Center, and the lowest it’s been in recent history was 28% under President Ronald Reagan. Whether the rich pay their fair share of taxes is still up for debate, but there’s no question that they do pay a disproportionate share of taxes in the U.S.

Read: Americans’ Savings Drop to Lowest Point in Years

Not surprisingly, GOBankingRates found that the tax burden on the top 1% varies greatly from state to state. However, in almost every state, at least 30% of the wealthiest taxpayers’ incomes go toward taxes. The study is ranked from lowest to highest average income of the top 1%. Take a look at this state-by-state breakdown of how much the rich pay in taxes.

Last updated: March 19, 2021

West Virginia Charleston
West Virginia Charleston

50. West Virginia
Average income of the top 1%: $535,648

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $197,901
Tax burden: 36.95%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $167,769
Tax burden: 31.32%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $258,078
Check It Out: Most Popular Things To Do With Your Tax Refund — and How To Do It Smarter

Biloxi, Mississippi, USA at Biloxi Lighthouse.
Biloxi, Mississippi, USA at Biloxi Lighthouse.

49. Mississippi
Average income of the top 1%: $580,461

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $209,941
Tax burden: 36.17%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $179,095
Tax burden: 30.85%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $254,362
Find Out: How Much You Need To Be in the Top 5% in Every State

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA downtown cityscape at twilight.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA downtown cityscape at twilight.

48. New Mexico
Average income of the top 1%: $615,082

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $224,821
Tax burden: 36.55%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $193,166
Tax burden: 31.40%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $255,429
See: What Can I Write Off on My Taxes?

The Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine, USA at sunrise.
The Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine, USA at sunrise.

47. Maine
Average income of the top 1%: $655,870

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $255,733
Tax burden: 38.99%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $223,085
Tax burden: 34.01%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $303,897

Louisville Kentucky
Louisville Kentucky

46. Kentucky
Average income of the top 1%: $719,012

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $267,886
Tax burden: 37.26%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $235,914
Tax burden: 32.81%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $274,818

This is Big Spring Park in Huntsville, Alabama during the spring time.
This is Big Spring Park in Huntsville, Alabama during the spring time.

45. Alabama
Average income of the top 1%: $743,644

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $281,033
Tax burden: 37.79%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $249,021
Tax burden: 33.49%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $297,564

Greenville, South Carolina at dusk
Greenville, South Carolina at dusk

44. South Carolina
Average income of the top 1%: $761,185

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $301,827
Tax burden: 39.65%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $269,611
Tax burden: 35.42%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $318,463

Des Moines, Iowa skyline from the state capital at sunset.
Des Moines, Iowa skyline from the state capital at sunset.

43. Iowa
Average income of the top 1%: $788,419

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $324,726
Tax burden: 41.19%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $292,323
Tax burden: 37.08%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $331,572

Honolulu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu

42. Hawaii
Average income of the top 1%: $797,001

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $345,741
Tax burden: 43.38%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $307,415
Tax burden: 38.57%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $310,566

Indianapolis Indiana
Indianapolis Indiana

41. Indiana
Average income of the top 1%: $804,275

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $290,508
Tax burden: 36.12%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $258,753
Tax burden: 32.17%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $316,756

New Orleans, Louisiana at Jackson Square.
New Orleans, Louisiana at Jackson Square.

40. Louisiana
Average income of the top 1%: $814,386

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $318,246
Tax burden: 39.08%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $284,903
Tax burden: 34.98%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $318,393

Montpelier, Vermont Skyline
Montpelier, Vermont Skyline

39. Vermont
Average income of the top 1%: $816,579

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $336,217
Tax burden: 41.17%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $301,784
Tax burden: 36.96%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $321,969

Idaho, STATES
Idaho, STATES

38. Idaho
Average income of the top 1%: $829,268

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $329,845
Tax burden: 39.78%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $297,372
Tax burden: 35.86%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $314,532

Bigfork,Montana,USA- August 18,2019: Waterfront Group of condos with small docks,boats, lamp posts and bags.
Bigfork,Montana,USA- August 18,2019: Waterfront Group of condos with small docks,boats, lamp posts and bags.

37. Montana
Average income of the top 1%: $855,976

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $334,819
Tax burden: 39.12%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $302,615
Tax burden: 35.35%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $321,849

Cleveland, Ohio, USA downtown city skyline and harbor at twilight.
Cleveland, Ohio, USA downtown city skyline and harbor at twilight.

36. Ohio
Average income of the top 1%: $858,965

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $325,232
Tax burden: 37.86%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $293,260
Tax burden: 34.14%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $334,979
Learn More: 5 Common Reasons You Might Owe Taxes

35. Arkansas
Average income of the top 1%: $864,772

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $347,058
Tax burden: 40.13%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $314,855
Tax burden: 36.41%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $255,050

Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek.
Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek.

34. Delaware
Average income of the top 1%: $869,461

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $337,737
Tax burden: 38.84%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $305,571
Tax burden: 35.14%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $340,770

Cityscape skyline view of office buildings and apartment condominiums in downtown Phoenix Arizona USA.
Cityscape skyline view of office buildings and apartment condominiums in downtown Phoenix Arizona USA.

33. Arizona
Average income of the top 1%: $882,657

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $334,508
Tax burden: 37.90%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $301,445
Tax burden: 34.15%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $331,074

32. North Carolina
Average income of the top 1%: $902,972

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $348,488
Tax burden: 38.59%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $316,486
Tax burden: 35.05%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $343,066

Evening sets upon the Willamette River in beautiful downtown Portland, Oregon.
Evening sets upon the Willamette River in beautiful downtown Portland, Oregon.

31. Oregon
Average income of the top 1%: $908,898

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $384,165
Tax burden: 42.27%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $350,221
Tax burden: 38.53%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $358,937

Alaska
Alaska

30. Alaska
Average income of the top 1%: $910,059

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $299,623
Tax burden: 32.92%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $268,262
Tax burden: 29.48%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $400,017

Detroit Michigan skyline
Detroit Michigan skyline

29. Michigan
Average income of the top 1%: $917,701

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $344,330
Tax burden: 37.52%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $312,449
Tax burden: 34.05%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $328,649

Pawtuxet Village is a section of the New England cities of Warwick and Cranston, Rhode Island.
Pawtuxet Village is a section of the New England cities of Warwick and Cranston, Rhode Island.

28. Rhode Island
Average income of the top 1%: $928,204

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $365,307
Tax burden: 39.36%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $333,214
Tax burden: 35.90%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $346,657

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA cityscape in Bricktown at dusk.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA cityscape in Bricktown at dusk.

27. Oklahoma
Average income of the top 1%: $932,520

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $359,662
Tax burden: 38.57%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $327,523
Tax burden: 35.12%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $333,139

St. Louis downtown skyline at twilight
St. Louis downtown skyline at twilight

26. Missouri
Average income of the top 1%: $944,804

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $368,117
Tax burden: 38.96%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $336,096
Tax burden: 35.57%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $326,839

Sunrise over Omaha, NE on a winter morning.
Sunrise over Omaha, NE on a winter morning.

25. Nebraska
Average income of the top 1%: $945,869

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $380,272
Tax burden: 40.20%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $347,165
Tax burden: 36.70%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $363,310
Find Out: What Can I Write Off on My Taxes?

Nashville, Tennessee, USA skyline and riverboat on the Cumberland River at night.
Nashville, Tennessee, USA skyline and riverboat on the Cumberland River at night.

24. Tennessee
Average income of the top 1%: $947,021

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $338,610
Tax burden: 35.76%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $307,005
Tax burden: 32.42%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $332,913

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA downtown city skyline on Lake Michigan at twilight.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA downtown city skyline on Lake Michigan at twilight.

23. Wisconsin
Average income of the top 1%: $964,358

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $391,900
Tax burden: 40.64%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $358,308
Tax burden: 37.16%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $349,905

Atlanta, Georgia, USA – July 26, 2015: Sunset panoramic aerial view of Atlanta skyline, with the Westin Peachtree Plaza skyscraper at its center, with a mobile sculpture of the SkyLounge rooftop terra - Image.
Atlanta, Georgia, USA – July 26, 2015: Sunset panoramic aerial view of Atlanta skyline, with the Westin Peachtree Plaza skyscraper at its center, with a mobile sculpture of the SkyLounge rooftop terra - Image.

22. Georgia
Average income of the top 1%: $995,576

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $392,335
Tax burden: 39.41%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $360,209
Tax burden: 36.18%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $371,811

Lighting of the flames at the Keeper of the Plains steel sculpture on the Arkansas River.
Lighting of the flames at the Keeper of the Plains steel sculpture on the Arkansas River.

21. Kansas
Average income of the top 1%: $1,034,676

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $409,258
Tax burden: 39.55%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $376,666
Tax burden: 36.40%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $375,344

People walk at City Creek Center shopping mall in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, on a sunny day.
People walk at City Creek Center shopping mall in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, on a sunny day.

20. Utah
Average income of the top 1%: $1,057,066

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $410,782
Tax burden: 38.86%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $378,816
Tax burden: 35.84%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $374,467

Fargo, ND, USA - July 24, 2015: The old railway water tower advertising the Great Northern Bicycle Co in front the Fargo-Moorhead complex in downtown Fargo N.
Fargo, ND, USA - July 24, 2015: The old railway water tower advertising the Great Northern Bicycle Co in front the Fargo-Moorhead complex in downtown Fargo N.

19. North Dakota
Average income of the top 1%: $1,080,845

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $396,093
Tax burden: 36.65%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $363,823
Tax burden: 33.66%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $445,415

Pedestrians relax on John F.
Pedestrians relax on John F.

18. Pennsylvania
Average income of the top 1%: $1,100,962

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $408,169
Tax burden: 37.07%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $376,433
Tax burden: 34.19%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $388,593

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, USA – MAY 27, 2018: Norfolk's Waterside District, a dining and entertainment area along the city's waterfront.
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, USA – MAY 27, 2018: Norfolk's Waterside District, a dining and entertainment area along the city's waterfront.

17. Virginia
Average income of the top 1%: $1,109,984

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $440,250
Tax burden: 39.66%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $408,187
Tax burden: 36.77%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $425,144
A Complete Guide: How To Fill Out a W-4

Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - May 2, 2019: Evening view of Main Street Square in the Heart of Downtown Rapid City.
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - May 2, 2019: Evening view of Main Street Square in the Heart of Downtown Rapid City.

16. South Dakota
Average income of the top 1%: $1,130,048

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $385,273
Tax burden: 34.09%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $353,912
Tax burden: 31.32%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $407,406

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA town cityscape.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA town cityscape.

15. New Hampshire
Average income of the top 1%: $1,134,101

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $436,186
Tax burden: 38.46%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $404,214
Tax burden: 35.64%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $405,286

View on downtown of Baltimore at night.
View on downtown of Baltimore at night.

14. Maryland
Average income of the top 1%: $1,135,718

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $452,083
Tax burden: 39.81%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $419,458
Tax burden: 36.93%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $445,783

St Paul downtown skyline at sunset during christmas.
St Paul downtown skyline at sunset during christmas.

13. Minnesota
Average income of the top 1%: $1,185,581

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $518,411
Tax burden: 43.73%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $482,919
Tax burden: 40.73%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $443,118
Check Out: 18 Medical Expenses You Can Deduct From Your Taxes

Denver, USA - People walking on a pedestrianized street in Denver's LoHi district, located near to the city centre.
Denver, USA - People walking on a pedestrianized street in Denver's LoHi district, located near to the city centre.

12. Colorado
Average income of the top 1%: $1,261,053

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $493,452
Tax burden: 39.13%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $461,526
Tax burden: 36.60%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $458,576

May 1, 2015 Dallas, TX USA: People are relaxing and picnicking in free music in the park event in Klyde Warren Park, uptown Dallas, TX.
May 1, 2015 Dallas, TX USA: People are relaxing and picnicking in free music in the park event in Klyde Warren Park, uptown Dallas, TX.

11. Texas
Average income of the top 1%: $1,343,897

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $465,868
Tax burden: 34.67%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $434,507
Tax burden: 32.33%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $440,758

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - January 12, 2016: Tourists enjoying the nightlife on the famous Fremont Street promenade Las Vegas, Navada.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - January 12, 2016: Tourists enjoying the nightlife on the famous Fremont Street promenade Las Vegas, Navada.

10. Nevada
Average income of the top 1%: $1,354,780

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $470,996
Tax burden: 34.77%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $439,635
Tax burden: 32.45%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $341,335

downtown Seattle, Pier 66.
downtown Seattle, Pier 66.

9. Washington
Average income of the top 1%: $1,383,223

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $483,327
Tax burden: 34.94%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $451,966
Tax burden: 32.67%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $451,395
How To Avoid Paying Taxes Legally: The 4 Craziest Ways People Have Done It

The Bean Chicago Illinois
The Bean Chicago Illinois

8. Illinois
Average income of the top 1%: $1,412,024

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $561,576
Tax burden: 39.77%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $529,611
Tax burden: 37.51%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $456,377

ST.
ST.

7. Florida
Average income of the top 1%: $1,543,124

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $538,935
Tax burden: 34.92%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $507,574
Tax burden: 32.89%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $417,587

Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey skyline
Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey skyline

6. New Jersey
Average income of the top 1%: $1,581,829

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $680,304
Tax burden: 43.01%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $645,934
Tax burden: 40.83%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $588,575
If the new proposed tax plan is passed into law, those who earn more than $1 million a year will pay 10.75% in state income taxes, as opposed to the 8.97% they’re paying now. Meanwhile, parents earning less than $150,000 will receive a rebate of up to $500 per child.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JAN 23rd, 2018: The Broad Museum showcased an installation by Carlos Cruz-Diez between September 2017 and January 2018 in Downtown LA.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JAN 23rd, 2018: The Broad Museum showcased an installation by Carlos Cruz-Diez between September 2017 and January 2018 in Downtown LA.

5. California
Average income of the top 1%: $1,693,094

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $798,797
Tax burden: 47.18%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $751,034
Tax burden: 44.36%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $514,694

Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA - July 21, 2013: People on a horse drawn carriage in downtown Cheyenne.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA - July 21, 2013: People on a horse drawn carriage in downtown Cheyenne.

4. Wyoming
Average income of the top 1%: $1,900,659

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $669,610
Tax burden: 35.23%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $638,249
Tax burden: 33.58%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $405,596

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA skyline at twilight.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA skyline at twilight.

3. Massachusetts
Average income of the top 1%: $1,904,805

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $769,639
Tax burden: 40.41%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $737,661
Tax burden: 38.73%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $582,774

New York City, NY, USA - March 19, 2019: The Vessel, also known as the Hudson Yards Staircase (designed by architect Thomas Heatherwick) at dusk.
New York City, NY, USA - March 19, 2019: The Vessel, also known as the Hudson Yards Staircase (designed by architect Thomas Heatherwick) at dusk.

2. New York
Average income of the top 1%: $2,202,480

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $958,503
Tax burden: 43.52%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $903,928
Tax burden: 41.04%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $550,174

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Hartford, Connecticut, USA commemorating the Civil War.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Hartford, Connecticut, USA commemorating the Civil War.

1. Connecticut
Average income of the top 1%: $2,522,806

Single filers:Total income and sales taxes paid: $1,074,605
Tax burden: 42.60%

Married couples filing jointly:Total income and sales taxes paid: $1,038,991
Tax burden: 41.18%
Income needed to make the top 1%: $700,800
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Levi Leidy contributed to the reporting for this article.Methodology: To find the tax burden on the richest 1% in every state, GOBankingRates used the “Income Inequality in the United States” study from the Economic Policy Institute to source the average annual income of the top 1% in every state. GOBankingRates then sourced both the federal and state tax brackets for 2019 from the Tax Foundation. GOBankingRates used an in-house income tax calculator to find both the effective and marginal tax rates on the average income of the top 1% in every state. These calculations were done for taxpayers filing as a single person and for a married couple filing jointly. GOBankingRates then used the 2018 Consumer Expenditure Survey by income decile from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the annual expenditure for the top 10% income decile (minus shelter and healthcare) and the Cost of Living Data series from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center to find the annual expenditure of the top 10% in each state. The annual expenditure of each state was then multiplied by each state’s average combined sales tax (the state rate plus the average local rate) to give the total dollars spent on sales tax for each state. To figure out the total tax burden, GOBankingRates combined the total spent on federal and state income taxes plus the total spent on sales tax annually divided by average income. Property tax was not included due to the lack of consistent data for home values of the top 1% in every state. The standard deduction was used when calculating income tax rates. All data used to conduct this study was compiled and verified on Jan. 24, 2020, and is subject to change.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Do the Richest 1% Really Pay in Taxes?

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