Where States Get Their Money

FY 2020

Where States Get Their Money, FY 2020

Note: this data has been updated.

Pandemic relief aid increased the portion of state government revenue coming from federal dollars to nearly 36% in fiscal year 2020, the highest level on record. The federal share of revenue hit new highs in most states. Federal funds were the largest source of dollars in 18 states, up from just four states a year earlier. Taxes remained the largest revenue source in the other 32 states and overall, at 45.8% of state revenue.

This infographic displays a breakdown of each state’s revenue by major categories.

Percentage of State Revenue by Source, FY 2020

Select revenue sources below to highlight them and resort the chart:

Taxes
Federal funds
Service charges
Miscellaneous
Local funds
0%25%50%75%100%0%25%50%75%100%

Note: This analysis uses “general revenue,” which accounts for all state revenue sources except state-owned liquor stores, utilities, and insurance trust funds. Vermont received more federal funds than it collected in tax revenue, although the shares appear equal due to rounding.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Annual Survey of State Government Finances

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Fiscal 50: State Trends and Analysis

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Fiscal 50 is an interactive platform that provides clear, data-driven portraits of state fiscal conditions. Users can view, sort, and analyze data on key trends that shape states’ fiscal health now and over the long term. Fiscal 50 also features research and analysis to help users understand how these trends interact and fit together—and how they relate to real-time developments playing out in state capitols across the country.

How states raise their tax dollars
How states raise their tax dollars
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How States Raise Their Tax Dollars, FY 2021

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Taxes make up about half of state government revenue, with two-thirds of states’ total tax dollars coming from levies on personal income (39.8%) and general sales of goods and services (29.2%).