Tax-Friendly States to Consider, and Which to Forget

2. The least tax-friendly state: Illinois

Illinois' three taxes — income, sales, and property — are among the highest in America for middle-class taxpayers. The 5% income tax is a flat rate for all Illinoisans, making the burden much heavier for middle-income earners. State sales taxes aren't any better at 6.25%, and local governments can add up to 4.75% to that total. Property rates are also the second-highest in the nation. It's no wonder that the Land of Lincoln is losing its citizens to states with more favorable tax laws.