Nevada Personal Income Tax Laws

Even if we think we might be getting a healthy tax return or not, nobody looks forward to filing their taxes. Fortunately for us Silver State residents, because we’re not charged any state income taxes we only have half the work to. And while this is a relief, it doesn’t get us off the hook for our federal income taxes. Here is a brief introduction to personal income tax laws in Nevada.

Income Tax in Nevada

States that do have personal income tax laws generally use the revenue to pay for public services like schools, police budgets, and road construction and maintenance. Like federal income tax, state income taxes are determined as a percentage of a citizen’s employment income. Some states use a variable tax rate depending on how much you earn. In lieu of personal income taxes, Nevada has extensive consumer tax laws that add a surcharge to everything from cigarettes and alcohol to gasoline and gambling.

In fact, Nevada has the 8th highest sales tax rate in the nation, so while you may not have to pay taxes on your income, you will be paying every other time you buy something in the Silver State.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

As noted above, just because Nevada does not charge personal income taxes does not mean state citizens get out of paying taxes altogether. You may also be subject to state consumer tax laws and federal tax laws. Under basic tax law, states and the federal government are permitted to tax both earned and unearned personal income. Earned income is comprised of your salary from work, including wages, tips, commissions, and bonuses.

On the other hand, unearned income comes from non-employment sources like interest, dividends, and profits from asset sales, royalties, and gambling winnings. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) implements federal income taxes nationwide. You can find most IRS forms and publications online. And along with Nevada’s consumer taxes, there may be other tax obligations you must meet in-state. You can find many state tax forms online along with resources regarding taxpayer assistance programs if you would like assistance with state or federal taxes.

Get Professional Help With Your Nevada Income Taxes

Even with the help of an accountant or a computer program, state tax laws and their overlap with the federal tax code can be difficult to understand, but errors can be costly. Sometimes your best option is to consult with a professional. Find a Nevada tax law attorney near you today.