HAWAII AMONG WORST STATES IN NATION ON TAXING THE WORKING POOR

Apr 10, 2012

Description:
Unlike most states, Hawaii taxes working-poor families deeper into poverty, and it charges them higher tax bills than all but four other states, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Hawaii should help working families work toward the middle class rather than undermine their efforts with steep tax bills,” said Phil Oliff, policy analyst at the Center and co-author of the report. “When people strive to better themselves and the lives of their families, not only do they benefit, but the state’s economy grows stronger and all Hawaii residents are better off.”Hawaii charges families of four with incomes at the poverty line $331 in income taxes, higher than all but two other states. Hawaii is one of only 15 states to tax such families at all. The federal poverty line is $23,018 for such families. Hawaii is one of only 10 states that taxes families of three who are living at or below the national poverty line. Its tax at the poverty line is $258. The poverty line is $17,922 per year for such families. Download pdf for more info or go here for online press release.