How do taxes work in the United States?

Logic Accounting May 27, 2025

If you're thinking about starting a business or living in the USA, understanding the tax system is fundamental. American taxes are organized very differently from Brazil, with simpler, more transparent, and less bureaucratic rules.

✅ What are the main taxes in the US?

  • Federal Income Tax (Federal Income Tax)

  • State Income Tax (State Income Tax)

  • Sales Tax (Sales Tax)

  • Property Tax (Property Tax)

🔹 Federal Income Tax

And the Federal Income Tax, which is levied on the earnings of US citizens and residents annually.

  • The rates vary from 10% to 37%, applied according to income brackets (Tax Brackets).

  • This tax is the largest source of revenue for the American federal government.

  • Those with higher incomes pay proportionally more.

🔹 State Income Tax

Similar to the Federal Income Tax, it is the State Income Tax.

  • The difference is that It varies depending on the state..

  • Some states, such as Florida, Texas, and Nevada, They don't charge that tax..

  • In other cases, the tax rate varies and also follows the income brackets of the respective state.

🔹 Sales Tax

O Sales Tax, which is equivalent to ICMS in Brazil.

  • É charged on most in-person and online purchases.

  • Unlike in Brazil, the rate is simpler and does not vary by product type, with few exceptions.

  • On the invoice, the tax is displayed separately, providing greater transparency.

🛒 Examples of Sales Tax rates in the USA:

  • San Francisco: 8,5%

  • California: 8,38%

  • Arkansas: 8,61%

  • Rhode Island: 7%

  • Indiana: 7%

  • Orlando: 6,5%

  • Miami: 7% (in some areas) 6%)

  • Miami Beach: 7%

  • Chicago: 9,5%

  • Cover: 7%

  • Wisconsin: 5%

  • Alabama: 8,45%

  • New York: 8,875%

  • Las Vegas: 8,25%

 Some states offer exemptions, such as not taxing food or clothing, and in certain cases, tourists can request refund of tax paid.

🔹 Property Tax

Similar to the IPTU in Brazil, the Property Tax It is levied on real estate properties.

  • It applies to real estate. residential, commercial and industrial.

  • The charge is annual, based on market value of the property.

  • The tax rate varies depending on the municipality, county, or district.

General Summary:

➡️ In the US, there are lower consumption and income taxes compared to Brazil.
➡️ Consumption taxation is much more low and clear, what increases the purchasing power of Americans.
➡️ While in Brazil we have 5 taxes on consumption, There, they are essentially only 2 about income and 1 about consumption, in addition to the Property Tax.

Why choose Logic to help you?

Before establishing our units in the United States, we faced the same difficulties you face today: Conflicting information, bureaucracy, and lack of adequate accounting support.

That's why, We specialize in the American market, And today we offer complete and transparent consulting services, with people who truly understand Brazil and the USA.

If you want to open your company in the USA, dollarize your assets, or pay less taxes, talk to Logic now!

We specialize in internationalizing businesses.

Talk to us!

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