Story perspectives

Tax Wars: Republican States Slash Rates While Democrats Hike Taxes

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Republican-led states are cutting or eliminating personal income taxes, with 23 states lowering rates since 2021.
Mississippi and Oklahoma aim to eliminate personal income taxes.
South Carolina plans to reduce its top rate to 1.99%.
Democratic-controlled states are raising taxes on high earners to address inequality and deficits, including Washington state's 9.9% tax on earnings over $1 million and New York City's push for higher taxes on wealthy households.

1 of 1

Story summary

Republican-led states are cutting or eliminating personal income taxes, with 23 states lowering rates since 2021.
Mississippi and Oklahoma aim to eliminate personal income taxes.
South Carolina plans to reduce its top rate to 1.99%.
Democratic-controlled states are raising taxes on high earners to address inequality and deficits, including Washington state's 9.9% tax on earnings over $1 million and New York City's push for higher taxes on wealthy households.