(FLORIDA) Florida keeps its no state income tax rule for individuals in 2026, so newcomers who become residents generally file only a federal income tax return, not a state one. That matters for immigrant families because the biggest tax decisions often come first, right after a move, a new job, or a new status.
People often hear “no state income tax” and assume taxes are low across the board. Florida still funds public services through other taxes, including sales taxes, property taxes, and corporate taxes, which can affect everyday costs and housing choices.
The basic rule you’re planning around in 2026
For 2026, Florida does not tax individual wage income, self-employment income, or retirement income through a state income tax system. Florida is one of nine states with no personal income tax, and this policy remains unchanged in the latest published information.
Your federal filing still applies, and federal brackets adjust for inflation. The top federal rate of 37% applies to single filers over $640,600 and married filing jointly over $768,700.
Florida’s other major taxes show up in different places:
- Sales tax: statewide 6%, plus county surtaxes up to 2% (often 6%–8% total at checkout).
- Property tax: a median effective rate of 0.75%, charged locally and often built into rent or mortgage costs.
- Corporate income/franchise tax: 5.5% on C-corporations doing business in Florida, with a $50,000 exemption.
For the state’s official updates, monitor the Florida Department of Revenue.
Quick reference: Key 2026 tax numbers
| Tax type | Key figure |
|---|---|
| Federal top rate | 37% (single > $640,600; married filing jointly > $768,700) |
| Florida sales tax | 6% statewide (plus local surtaxes up to 2%) |
| Typical checkout total sales tax | 6%–8% |
| Median effective property tax | 0.75% |
| Florida corporate tax (C-corp) | 5.5% (with $50,000 exemption) |
Stage 1 (Week 1): Choose your “tax home” and document your move
Your first task is to create a clean paper trail that shows when Florida became your main home. Keep a simple move file, because you’ll use it for jobs, schools, banks, and sometimes immigration paperwork too.
Do these actions early:
- Sign a lease or closing document in Florida.
- Set up utilities in your name.
- Update your mailing address with employers, schools, and key agencies.
- Keep travel records if you split time between states or countries.
This stage matters because “no state income tax” helps most when Florida is clearly your main residence, not a temporary stop.
Stage 2 (Weeks 1–4): Set up payroll the right way, starting with federal forms
Once you start work, payroll withholding is driven by federal rules. Florida employers typically withhold federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax, based on what you report on your W-4.
If you’re new to the U.S. tax system, separate two concepts: immigration status and tax filing status. They overlap sometimes, but they are not the same thing.
If you need a taxpayer number to file, the IRS uses two main options:
- A Social Security number (SSN), usually for people authorized to work.
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), often for people who must file but do not qualify for an SSN.
When an ITIN is appropriate, the request is made through Form W-7, which you can review here: About Form W-7. If you are filing a regular federal return, you’ll generally use Form 1040, posted here: About Form 1040.
VisaVerge.com reports that families often lose time and money when they treat tax setup as an “end of year” task, rather than a first-month priority.
Stage 3 (Months 1–3): Build a realistic budget around Florida’s non-income taxes
Florida’s lack of a state income tax can make paychecks feel larger, but many newcomers notice the difference at the register and in housing costs. That’s because Florida relies heavily on sales taxes and property taxes.
Plan for these common pressure points:
- Everyday spending: a combined sales tax often lands in the 6%–8% range, which adds up fast for families buying cars, furniture, or school supplies.
- Housing: property taxes flow through monthly rent or mortgage payments, and local rates vary by county.
- Business plans: if you form a C-corporation, Florida’s 5.5% corporate income tax can affect cash flow.
If you’re relocating from a state with an income tax, adjust your expectations. The “savings” from no state income tax can disappear if you choose a higher-cost area or carry more taxable spending.
Stage 4 (Months 3–12): Track income, travel, and family facts for federal filing
Florida residents still face full federal filing requirements, including reporting worldwide income when required by federal law. This stage is about recordkeeping, because clean records reduce audit risk and help you claim credits you qualify for.
Keep these items organized:
- W-2s, 1099s, and pay statements
- Dates of entry, exit, and major travel, especially if you spent time abroad
- Childcare and education costs, if relevant
- Proof of address and household composition
If you are in the middle of an immigration process, keep copies of key filings and approvals in the same folder as your tax documents. For example, if you apply for employment authorization, Form I-765 is posted by USCIS here: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Tax returns and immigration filings often become supporting evidence in later benefits applications.
Stage 5 (Tax season): File federally, and expect “Florida simplicity” to show up here
When tax season comes, most Florida residents file a federal return and stop there. That’s the practical impact of Florida having no state income tax: no Florida state income tax return, no Florida income tax withholding forms, and fewer moving parts for many households.
Still, filing can be demanding, especially for first-time filers and mixed-status families. Focus on three checks before you submit:
- Confirm your correct name and taxpayer number match IRS records.
- Confirm your filing status and dependent claims are consistent with your family facts.
- Confirm your income documents match what you report.
High earners also need to plan for the federal brackets. The top federal rate of 37% is real, and it starts at $640,600 for single filers and $768,700 for married couples filing jointly in 2026.
Key takeaway: Florida’s tax story is simple on income tax, but not “tax-free.” Treat your first year as a setup year: document the move, set up payroll correctly, track expenses and travel, and budget for sales and housing costs that replace what other states collect through income tax.
Florida continues its no-state-income-tax policy for 2026, requiring only federal filings for residents. However, high sales taxes (6-8%) and property taxes offset these savings. Newcomers should prioritize establishing a residency paper trail, setting up payroll withholding correctly with federal forms like the W-4, and maintaining detailed records of income and travel to ensure federal compliance and support future immigration applications.
