US income tax estimates vary widely by state over 45-year career

An analysis by Self Financial indicates that the estimated total of federal and state income taxes paid by a single American worker over a 45-year career ranges from $324,568 to $884,660.

Tax burdens vary significantly by state. Massachusetts has the highest estimated total at $884,660, followed by Maryland ($822,386) and Connecticut ($787,441). Conversely, Nevada ($329,251), Florida ($325,598), and South Dakota ($324,568) report the lowest totals, as none of these states levy a state income tax on individuals.

The study notes that these figures are influenced by both tax policy and regional income levels. For instance, the high total in Massachusetts is partly due to a higher projected cumulative income of approximately $3 million compared to $2 million in Florida, rather than solely being a result of higher tax rates.