Last Tuesday was tax day, one of the most universally hated days of the year by citizens.

But the New Jersey government loves it. Or, at least, needs it.

NJ Spotlight’s latest interact map looks at the tax stats -- the number of returns, total income and the change from 2008, taxable income, the total tax liability and average incomes and tax bills per return and per capita.

Read the story here and use the map to learn more.

Here are the Essex numbers:

Essex County
Returns: 325,672
Total Income: $24,772,530,600
Change from 2008: $(675,823,200)
Percent change: -2.7%
Taxable Income: $22,538,945,200
Tax Charged: $775,750,000
Average Total Income: $76,066
Average Taxable Income: $69,208
Average Net Tax: $2,382
Total Income Per Capita: $31,900
Net Charged Tax Per Capita: $998

NJ Spotlight is an online news service providing insight and information on issues critical to New Jersey.