- It is useful to prepare an individual's federal income tax return prior to an individual's state income tax return. Federal income tax is often the starting income point of state taxable income.
- State income tax rates are regulated by each state. Federal income tax rates are the same for all across the nation.
- The federal government allows individuals both a deduction and credit for secondary education expenses. Each state offers different options for education credits, such as deductions for contributions to 529 plans.
- Individuals are able to deduct the amount of state income taxes paid on their federal tax return as an itemized deduction. The amount to deduct includes state income tax withholdings, estimated state tax payments and payments made with the prior year state tax return.
- States allow adjustments to taxable income for retirement benefits paid to individuals from state agencies. For example, civil service pensions and teacher retirements are generally not taxed by the state that pays them. Retirement benefits will be taxed by the federal government.
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