Ohio’s Tax Burden Increases Again Study Shows

posted April 4, 2007

COLUMBUS - Ohio's combined state and local tax burden continues to increase according to a study released today by the Tax Foundation, an independent research and educational organization.  Ohioans give 12.4 percent of personal income to government, up from 12.1 percent last year, while taxpayers in neighboring states pay less the study found.

"Considering the condition of Ohio’s economy, policymakers should not be debating whether or not to increase government spending," Buckeye Institute President David Hansen said.  "The debate needs to focus on why we are not cutting taxes.  Ohioans should be paying less for their government, not more."

"Jobs continue to leave the state yet the size and cost of government continues to grow," Hansen added.  "It should come as no surprise that our neighboring states are better at attracting new businesses and high paying jobs - they tax their citizens less."

Only Vermont, Maine, New York and Rhode Island take a larger percentage of personal income in taxes.

Ohio’s neighboring states enjoy a lower tax burden.  Indiana takes 10.7 percent in personal income, Kentucky 10.9 percent, Michigan 11.2 percent, Pennsylvania 10.8 percent and West Virginia 10.9 percent. 

The comprehensive Tax Foundation report can be found at www.taxfoundation.org.