Best Retirement States
It is true that seniors prefer the warm climate and leisure activities of states such as Florida and Texas, they are not necessarily the best where income is concerned. Many retirees judge the suitability of a state based on an oversimplified view of the state tax laws. This is an oversimplified way to judge the amount of money owed each year to the state, and can lead to paying exorbitant amounts each year in taxes. The truth is that some of the states that have no income tax more than make up for it in other forms of tax.
Retirees want to save as much of their money each year as possible, and so many look to states like Pennsylvania that do not charge a dime on retirement income. Despite the allure of no income tax, failure to look closer can cost these seniors dearly every year. Ironically, Pennsylvania is actually one of the least affordable places in the United States to live. The average property tax in Harrisburg, PA, amounted to a whopping $6,551. Combine that with $840 on average in sales tax, and Pennsylvania residents are typically paying around $7,391 in taxes per year.
Surprisingly, states like Arkansas and Delaware are really the most affordable for seniors. Living in Dover, DE, costs on average around $543 per year in taxes. Kentucky is great option for seniors, with residents of Frankfort paying around $1,114 per year. This is a bargain when compared to than supposedly tax friendly states such as Pennsylvania and Florida. Residents of Florida pay around $3,424 per year.
Although income tax is a major component of overall tax burden, it is very important to research the other factors at play. Be sure to research the cost of homes, as well as cost of living. In areas with high home prices, property tax can really end up costing an arm and a leg each year. Look out for potential money sinks by researching state tax laws before making a move. The general livability of a state is also important.
Online sources such as Kiplinger and Taxsites.com can help greatly in the search for the best retirement states. Finding the best retirement states is all about striking a balance between taxes and livability. Just because a state has the lowest taxes doesn't mean you should move there, but don't neglect to check out a state's tax laws before moving. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, can quickly eat away at your retirement fund if you are not careful.
Retirees want to save as much of their money each year as possible, and so many look to states like Pennsylvania that do not charge a dime on retirement income. Despite the allure of no income tax, failure to look closer can cost these seniors dearly every year. Ironically, Pennsylvania is actually one of the least affordable places in the United States to live. The average property tax in Harrisburg, PA, amounted to a whopping $6,551. Combine that with $840 on average in sales tax, and Pennsylvania residents are typically paying around $7,391 in taxes per year.
Surprisingly, states like Arkansas and Delaware are really the most affordable for seniors. Living in Dover, DE, costs on average around $543 per year in taxes. Kentucky is great option for seniors, with residents of Frankfort paying around $1,114 per year. This is a bargain when compared to than supposedly tax friendly states such as Pennsylvania and Florida. Residents of Florida pay around $3,424 per year.
Although income tax is a major component of overall tax burden, it is very important to research the other factors at play. Be sure to research the cost of homes, as well as cost of living. In areas with high home prices, property tax can really end up costing an arm and a leg each year. Look out for potential money sinks by researching state tax laws before making a move. The general livability of a state is also important.
Online sources such as Kiplinger and Taxsites.com can help greatly in the search for the best retirement states. Finding the best retirement states is all about striking a balance between taxes and livability. Just because a state has the lowest taxes doesn't mean you should move there, but don't neglect to check out a state's tax laws before moving. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, can quickly eat away at your retirement fund if you are not careful.
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