10 Worst states for starting a business

Attention libertarians! Find out where the cold, dead hand of the state weighs heaviest. Rankings provided by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.

By Mina Kimes

Taxes
Top personal income tax rate:	9.9%
Top corporate income tax rate:	9%
Property tax:	4.80%
Energy
Electric Utilities Costs †:	1.40
Labor
Minimum wage:	$7.40

† Index of state's average revenue/kilowatt hour.

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48. Rhode Island

Is Rhode Island over compensating? The diminutive state's property and personal income taxes are sky high, as are its corporate income and capital gains taxes. Also high, however, is the quality of life. In order to attract more businesses to that lifestyle, Kerrigan says the state needs to diversify beyond the healthcare and tourism industries.

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