Objects in Mirror: April 15, 2009 Archive

Talking about Minnesota's tax burden

Posted at 9:29 AM on April 15, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

Public Insight Analyst Paul Tosto opens the online discussion about taxes, taxes, taxes... and something beige:

"Not sure what to say about taxes. I did find some interesting rankings of Minnesota's tax burden at the Minnesota Revenue Department. In 2006, the most recent data available, here's how Minnesota ranked among states:

• 21st in total state and local taxes as a percent of personal income
• 8th in total state taxes as a percent of personal income

Why the difference? The revenue department explains it's because Minnesota raised 77 percent of its state and local revenue at the state level, compared to the national average of 59 percent. 

If you look at the trends in that data, Minnesota was 8th in 2000 and down to 21st in 2006. I don't know if that has more to do with a jump in personal income or a drop in taxes. Anyone with any thoughts on that?"