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As tax deadlines loom, Californians should note how little they get for paying high taxes
Tax Foundation data puts California’s state and local tax burden at 13.5% of personal income, while WalletHub ranks its services 37th overall.
- Californians pay the nation's highest taxes, yet California ranks near the bottom for government services. With tax season underway, residents weigh whether high payments buy satisfactory infrastructure, safety, and economic stability.
- The Washington-based Tax Foundation reports that residents pay 13.5% of personal income in taxes, or $10,167 per person, ranking fifth highest nationally. WalletHub research subsequently rated the state 37th overall for services, with low scores in public safety, economy, and infrastructure.
- Infrastructure struggles are evident on Sacramento County's Watt Avenue, which carries nearly 100,000 vehicles daily. A 2023 study found the county's road conditions are markedly below average, despite taxes collected specifically for roadway maintenance.
- Residents pay about 90 cents a gallon in fuel taxes, yet return on investment is rarely discussed even as officials promise better services in return for higher levies. High taxation should bring effective services like those New Hampshire and Florida apparently enjoy.
- The deadline for semi-annual property taxes without penalty is April 10, while federal and state income tax returns are due April 15. Voters face decisions this year on pending tax measures and elections for local and statewide offices.
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13 Articles
As Tax Deadlines Loom, Californians Should Note How Little They Get for High Taxes
This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. By Dan Walters CalMatters Opinion Watt Avenue is one of several Sacramento County streets named for famous inventors, in this case James Watt, father of the steam engine. Watt Avenue is also one of the county’s busiest and most important arterials, with nearly 100,000 vehicles a day crossing its bridge over the American River. The north-south route runs for n…
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Bias Distribution
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