Taxes in Arizona

Arizona residents enjoy low income tax rates and no estate or inheritance tax, either. These exemptions help offset higher-than-average state and local sales taxes. Below, we explain various Arizona state taxes affecting retirement income, such as sales tax, inheritance tax, and property taxes.

For information regarding taxes in other states, see Retirement Taxes by State.

Arizona Tax Rates

State Sales Tax	5.6%
Avg State/Local Sales Tax	9.24%
Gas Tax	$0.18 per gallon
Diesel Tax	$0.18 per gallon
Cigarette Tax	$2.00 per pack
Income Tax	2.8%
Effective Tax Rate:	2.55%
Property Tax	0.69%
Social Security Tax	None
Medical/Dental Deduction:	None
Federal Income Tax Deduction:	None
Retirement Tax	Partial

Arizona State Taxes Explained

Arizona Sales Taxes

Arizona levies a 5.6% state tax. Local rates tack on an additional 2.8% on average. The sales tax in Arizona is commonly called the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), but this is actually a tax levied on vendors.

Groceries and prescription drugs are state tax-exempt, though some cities in Arizona tax groceries from 1.5% to 4%. Arizona’s Vehicle License Tax (VLT) can add up to several hundred dollars per year.

Arizona Income Taxes

For the tax year 2022, the state follows two tax rates, 2.55% and 2.98%. The new flat tax of 2.5% will begin in the 2023 tax year, which is filed by April 2024.

Arizona Property Taxes

Individual counties in Arizona assess property and bill for taxes. The average effective property tax rate is 0.69%, for a tax of $1,408 on a $205,000 home.

Homeowners aged 65 or older with a total income of $36,000 or less are eligible for the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option. This program is also known as a tax freeze because the property tax does not increase. This program is also available to multiple owners of a single property with a combined income of $45,000 or less.

Arizona homeowners who are at least 70 years old and do not receive more than $10,000 of annual taxable income defer their property taxes. To qualify, seniors must have lived in their primary residence for at least six years or have been Arizona residents for 10 or more years. Deferred taxes must be paid upon the property owner’s death.

Visit the Arizona Department of Revenue for information about property tax relief for seniors.

Arizona Retirement Taxes

Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits are exempt. Up to $2,500 of retirement income from federal, state and local government plans is tax-exempt. Medical and dental deductions are taxed at the federal amount. Residents may itemize deductions on state income tax returns even if taking the standard deduction on the federal return.

For information on veteran services, visit the Arizona Department of Veterans Services.

Arizona Estate and Inheritance Taxes

There is no inheritance or estate tax in Arizona.