Sunday was National "Tax Freedom Day," the day average Americans earned their first tax-free dollar of the year.
Tax Freedom Day is determined each year by the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit group headquartered in Washington.
The first Tax Freedom Day calculated was Feb. 12, 1930. Since then, Americans have been forced to work further into the year to pay their tax bills.
National Tax Freedom Day represents the national average. When taxpayers earn their first tax-free dollar depends on where they live, how much is earned and any tax-advantaged investments.
Tax Freedom Day arrived in Missouri May 8 and will arrive in Illinois May 13. This year, the average Missourian worked 127 days to pay his state, federal and local taxes; Illinoisans have to work 132 days. The national average is 129 days.
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