The United States economy is largely dependent on taxes. Tax money is how the federal and state governments pay for a variety of programmes and services. In the US, each state has its own tax code, and taxpayers’ tax burdens vary from one state to the next. California has the most taxpayers overall, according to the number of taxpayers. California is the most populous state in the nation, with a population of about 39.5 million. It’s hardly surprising that California has the most taxpayers given its enormous population. 19.3 million tax returns were submitted in California for the 2019 tax year, as per the IRS. This indicates that more than 50 per cent of the state’s residents submitted tax returns.
The huge and varied economy of California has a significant role in the state’s high taxation rate. The 5th-largest economy in the world, California has a gross domestic output of almost $3 trillion. Numerous significant organisations, including tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook, are based in the state. The state receives a considerable amount of tax money from these businesses. California has a sizable economy in addition to a relatively high cost of living. In comparison to many other states, California has much higher housing expenses in particular. Californians thus frequently make larger incomes to cover these expenses. This implies that a greater number of residents of California are probably making enough money to be obliged to submit a tax return.
California’s progressive tax structure is another element that contributes to the high number of taxpayers in the state. With a top rate of 13.3%, California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the nation. This implies that people with greater salaries are liable for increased tax obligations. Additionally, California has a sales tax that is greater than the rest of the country at 7.25 per cent.
The state receives a sizable amount of money from each of these taxes. Despite having the most taxes, California also has one of the worst rates of poverty in the country. 12.8% of Californians, according to the US Census Bureau, are considered to be poor. Since many of these people do not make enough money to qualify for filing, they might not be compelled to submit a tax return. In conclusion, California has the most taxpayers in any state. The state has a high rate of tax returns submitted due to its big and varied economy, high cost of living, and progressive tax structure. The high tax rates in California may be a nuisance for some people, but they also bring in a sizable amount of money for state programmes and services.