State Income Tax
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Most individual U.S. states collect a state income tax in addition to federal income tax. In addition, some local governments impose an income tax, often based on state income tax calculations. Forty-three states and many localities in the United States impose an income tax on individuals. Forty-seven states and many localities impose a tax on the income of corporations.
State income tax is imposed at a fixed or graduated rate on the taxable income of individuals, corporations, and certain estates and trusts. The rates vary by state. Taxable income conforms closely to Federal taxable income in most states, with limited modifications. The states are prohibited from taxing income from Federal bonds or other obligations. Most do not tax Social Security benefits or interest income from obligations of that state. Several states require different lives and methods be used by businesses in computing the deduction for depreciation. Many states allow a standard deduction or some form of itemized deductions. States allow a variety of tax credits in computing tax.
Each state administers its own tax system. Many states also administer the tax return and collection process for localities within the state that impose income tax.
State income tax is allowed as a deduction in computing federal income tax, subject to limitations for individuals.
An Overview of State Income Tax
Getting a federal income tax extension for your business or personal taxes is great--but what about state income taxes? Can you get an extension for those, too?
The short answer is it all depends on what state you're in. Every state has different rules and regulations about tax extensions. Some states, like Texas and Tennessee, don't levy personal income taxes at all-but you may still owe business taxes. Other states, like California and Massachusetts, have high personal and business income taxes, so a state tax extension may be every bit as useful as a federal one.
How Do State Income Tax Extensions Work?
Each state is different regarding their tax extension rules. For example, Colorado and California, automatically grant a six-month extension to any taxpayer and no paperwork is required. (Note however, similar to a federal tax extension, you must still pay any tax due by the original filing date).
Arizona is a state that will automatically accept an IRS tax extension if you don't owe taxes ― but you are required to fill out a state-specific tax form if you do owe taxes. Wisconsin, on the other hand, automatically grants a state tax extension if you file for the federal extension - provided that you attach IRS Form 4868 (personal tax extension) or IRS Form 7004 (business tax extension) to your Wisconsin tax return. Finally, Pennsylvania requires its residents to submit their tax extension requests by paper mail - and Alabama allows its taxpayers to file their requests online.
