Taxes

Income tax elimination efforts face steep climbs

Lawmakers must confront politically difficult questions about how to fund the government without it.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a news conference, Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Many Republican state leaders say they want to get rid of income taxes, but none of the 41 states with major personal income taxes are likely to scrap them anytime soon.

Policy wonks and lawmakers who’ve taken a hard look at the numbers say there’s no way to eliminate state income taxes without slashing spending on crucial services or raising other taxes, such as on sales, property and business activity.

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