Up from 24th in 1991
The average state and local tax burden for Pennsylvanians was 10th highest in the nation in 2009, according to a report issued Wednesday by the Tax Foundation, a national organization.
According to the report, New Jersey had the highest state and local burden, with the lowest being in Alaska.
Since the report began in 1977, the highest Pennsylvania has ranked was ninth in 2004 and the lowest was 24th in 1991. Overall, however the state and local tax pattern has shown a drift from 17th in 1977 to 10th in the most recent Tax Foundation study.
Over the past decade, the lowest ranking the commonwealth has had was 17th in the nation. It jumped to 10th in 2002 and has stayed around that level since.
