This week’s chart illustrates how income taxes can accumulate over a 45-year career, with substantial differences based on where someone lives and how much they earn. Massachusetts ranks highest, with estimated lifetime federal and state income taxes exceeding $885,000, while South Dakota and Florida are among the lowest at roughly $325,000. While states with no individual income tax generally rank near the bottom, tax rates alone do not explain the disparity. Higher average earnings can also drive larger federal tax liabilities over time. For example, the study assumes approximately $3 million in lifetime earnings for the average Massachusetts worker compared with about $2 million for the average Floridian. The chart serves as a reminder that both income levels and state tax policies can significantly influence the total taxes paid over a lifetime.