Sometimes, we scratch our heads at certain taxes. Taxes can be a complicated and grueling process. But that’s why TaxSlayer.com is here to give you a heads up on state taxes. Here a list of the some of the most interesting state tax laws in the US. 1. The Blueberry Tax of MainMaine is blueberry central. They produced 83 million pounds of wild blueberries last year. According to state laws, anyone who grows, buys, sells, or handles blueberries is subject to the three-fourths of a penny per pound tax. The $1.5 million in revenue has been used for research and educational programs to help the crop grow better. 2. Hawaii’s “exceptional trees”If you are into gardening in Hawaii, you can deduct up to $3,000 for maintaining your trees. The tree must have historical and cultural significance. The state has over 1,000 “exceptional trees.” 3. The Flush Tax of MarylandSince 2004, all households get charged an extra $2.50 to their monthly water bill. The tax has produced over $370 million since 2004. The extra money has helped the state develop better technological processes for making water cleaner. 4. Arkansas “damaged cars” Since Arkansas is prone to bad storms, there is a sales tax extended to cars that have been affected by natural disasters. The law applies to vehicles whose damage causes the car to be reduced to 30% of it’s value. 5. Premarital Counseling in South CarolinaIf you plan on getting married in South Carolina, you are eligible for a $50 credit for receiving pre-marital counseling. As long as the counseling is done by a certified clergy member and the couple receives a marriage license during that year, they are eligible for the money. 6. Live Long in New Mexico If you are over 100 years of age and not claimed as a depended, you are exept from income tax in New Mexico. These may seem like strange laws, but they are all real and possibly beneficial to you as a taxpayer. There are tons of state taxes that apply to you and your family. Luckily, TaxSlayer.com has a tremendous support team that is willing to help you with any questions you may have about e-filing your state taxes.

Don’t take filing status for granted. It could be an important factor in getting that maximum refund. If you are new to tax preparation and filing status is confusing you- here are a few tidbits to get you started. 1. Even if they are not working, have never worked and have no intention of working, your spouse is not considered your dependent. If you are married, you have the option of filing Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separate. In some cases, other filing statuses may apply to you even if you are married but not living with your spouse. 2. If you are married, 9 times out of 10, you should file Married Filing Jointly because you are eligible for benefits not due to other filing statuses, such as a higher standard deduction. However, everyone’s tax situation is different and you should choose the legal filing status that is most advantageous to you. 3. Head of household means “single with qualified dependents.” You could even use this filing status if you are married but “considered unmarried” according to IRS guidelines. 4. If your spouse dies before you file your current year’s tax return and you have not remarried you can file as Married Filing Joint. If you have a qualified dependent and you have not remarried, you may file as a Qualifying Widower for the next two years after your spouses death. This is important because Qualifying Widower provides a higher standard deduction than Head of Household. 5. Sometimes deciding if you have to file as Single versus other filing statuses can be tricky especially if you have qualified dependents or if you are separated from your spouse. Luckily for you, TaxSlayer has an easy to use filing status wizard to help you with choosing the correct filing status and ensure you keep that maximum refund.