Tax Articles & Guides
Practical posts about federal and state tax topics, state and provincial comparison strategies, and how to get the most from TaxMath. For live rate data, see our Tax Tables and Tax Notes & News.
2025 Federal Income Tax Brackets Explained
A complete guide to the 2025 federal income tax brackets, standard deduction, capital gains rates, and the difference between marginal and effective tax rates.
States With No Income Tax: Complete 2025 Guide
All nine US states with no personal income tax — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — plus the trade-offs you should know.
California vs Texas Tax Comparison
How California's 13.3% top rate stacks up against Texas's 0% income tax at different income levels, plus property tax, sales tax, and cost of living considerations.
How Capital Gains Are Taxed: Federal and State Rules
Long-term vs short-term capital gains, federal LTCG brackets, the 3.8% NIIT, and how states from Washington to Florida treat investment gains.
Canadian Province Tax Comparison Guide
2025 federal and provincial tax rates, the Basic Personal Amount, capital gains inclusion, and how Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec compare.
US vs. Canada: Key Differences in Personal Income Tax
A side-by-side look at how the US and Canadian personal income tax systems differ — from brackets and deductions to capital gains and dividends.
Understanding How Marginal Tax Brackets Work
How marginal tax brackets work, why your effective rate is always lower than your top bracket, and how to calculate your actual tax bill.
State Tax Comparison: What to Consider Beyond the Top Rate
Top-line state tax rates don't tell the whole story. Here's what to compare when evaluating state income taxes: brackets, deductions, capital gains treatment, and more.