Toolkit

State tax basics (GA, FL, TX) — income, sales, property

Guidance-oriented planning notes for Canadians moving to the U.S. (not legal, tax, or insurance advice).

State tax basics — GA, FL, TX

Income tax isn’t the only cost. Look at the whole picture: sales tax, property tax, and insurance.

What “state taxes” usually include

  • Income tax: some states tax wages; some don’t.
  • Sales tax: paid on purchases; varies by state and local area.
  • Property tax: paid by homeowners (often passed into rent indirectly).
Guidance

Don’t choose a state using only income tax. Housing costs + insurance + property tax can outweigh the difference.

Quick comparison (high-level)

  • Florida: no state income tax on wages; sales + property taxes still apply.
  • Texas: no state income tax on wages; property taxes can be significant in some areas.
  • Georgia: state income tax applies; cost structure differs by county/city.

Exact rates change, and local add-ons matter—verify with official state revenue sites before deciding.

Newcomer checklist (what to track)

  • Your residency start date and first paystub dates.
  • Any moving reimbursements from an employer.
  • Large purchases (car, furniture) and sales taxes.
  • Housing costs + property tax context (even if renting).

Where to verify official rules

Pro move

Before you commit to a city, run a sample monthly budget in each state. Use the same lifestyle assumptions across all three.

Questions to ask a cross-border tax pro

  • When am I considered a resident for state tax purposes?
  • How do Canadian accounts/income affect U.S. filing?
  • What records should I keep from the move date?

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