The Tax Foundation has released the 2011 edition of Facts and Figures: How does your State Compare?
The Washington, D.C.-based tax lobby group said the release of the pocket-sized guide marks the 70th anniversary of Facts and Figures, which ranks all 50 states on 32 measures of taxation and fiscal policy, including individual and corporate income tax rates, business tax climates, state-local tax burdens and excise tax rates.
Among the top ranked states, Alaska had the lowest combined state-local tax burden; South Dakota had the most attractive state business climate; and Alabama had the lowest property tax collections. The lowest-ranked states included Hawaii and Oregon, who tied for the highest individual income tax rate; Nebraska, with the highest cell phone taxes; and California, with the highest state sales tax rate.
"At a time when state governments are facing virtually unprecedented budget deficits, lawmakers and taxpayers need to know not only where their states stand on key tax and spending measures, but where they stand in relation to other states," said Scott A. Hodge, president of the Tax Foundation. "Balancing budgets and fostering economic growth will depend on every state keeping an eye on how competitive its tax system is - regionally, nationally and even internationally."
Founded in 1937, the Tax Foundation produces and distributes information on government finances at the federal, state and local levels.
A copy of the 2011 "Facts and Figures" can be found here.