Transparent method
The formula
Worked example
Example inputs
How to interpret the result
State income tax rules vary enormously between states, flat rate, progressive brackets, or no income tax at all, and a rate or deduction figure that's correct for one state can be entirely inapplicable in another, so this calculator's estimate is only as good as the state-specific inputs entered into it.
Before you rely on it
What to check
Confirm the current bracket, rate and deduction figures against your specific state's official tax portal before relying on the estimate for planning.
The common error
Where people go wrong with state income tax calculator
Applying a generic or remembered state tax rate without checking it against the current year's actual rules for that specific state. Rates and brackets change, and a stale or wrong-state figure produces an estimate that doesn't reflect real liability.
Sensitivity evidence
How entered state tax rate changes the estimated state income tax
| Entered state tax rate | Estimated state income tax | Income after estimated state tax |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0% | $2,700 | $97,300 |
| 4.0% | $3,600 | $96,400 |
| 5.0%worked example | $4,500 | $95,500 |
| 6.0% | $5,400 | $94,600 |
| 7.0% | $6,300 | $93,700 |
Every input, tested
Which input moves the estimated state income tax most
| Input | Tested from | To | Estimated state income tax at each end | Swing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entered state tax rate | 4.0% | 6.0% | $3,600 to $5,400 | $1,800 (40%) |
| Income subject to state estimate | $90,000 | $110,000 | $4,000 to $5,000 | $1,000 (22%) |
| Entered state deduction or exclusion | $9,000 | $11,000 | $4,550 to $4,450 | $100 (2.2%) |
Two variables at once
Estimated state income tax by entered state tax rate and income subject to state estimate
| Entered state tax rate \ Income subject to state estimate | $80,000 | $100,000 | $120,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0% | $2,100 | $2,700 | $3,300 |
| 4.0% | $2,800 | $3,600 | $4,400 |
| 5.0% | $3,500 | $4,500 | $5,500 |
| 6.0% | $4,200 | $5,400 | $6,600 |
| 7.0% | $4,900 | $6,300 | $7,700 |
Step by step
The worked example, input by input
| Input | Value used |
|---|---|
| Income subject to state estimate | $100,000 |
| Entered state deduction or exclusion | $10,000 |
| Entered state tax rate | 5.0% |
| Estimated state income tax | $4,500 |
| Income after estimated state tax | $95,500 |
Where the inputs come from
Income subject to state tax is your income after any state-specific adjustments, and the state deduction or exclusion is the standard deduction or exemption that your state allows, which varies from none to several thousand dollars. The tax rate should be an effective or marginal rate you enter, taken from your state revenue department's tax tables, because state systems range from a flat rate to graduated brackets. Nine states levy no tax on wages.
Using the estimated state income tax in a real decision
Local income taxes in some cities add to the total.
When the result stops applying
A single rate approximates a graduated system, and state rules on retirement income, Social Security, credits and the treatment of federal deductions vary widely. Nonresident and part-year rules differ, and remote workers may owe tax in more than one state. The estimate is not a filing.
What to compare it with
Combine with the federal income tax calculator and the take-home pay page for a full picture, and see the state retirement income and estate tax calculators for other state taxes. The property and sales tax pages cover the rest of the state tax mix. Check your state revenue department's website for the current brackets.
People also ask
Frequently asked questions
Which states have no income tax on wages?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming, and New Hampshire taxes only interest and dividends, with that being phased out.
Do I pay state tax if I work remotely?
Usually to the state where you live, and sometimes to the state where the employer or work is located, with credits to avoid double taxation.
Is state income tax deductible on my federal return?
Only if you itemize, and the total deduction for state and local taxes is capped, so many taxpayers see no benefit from it.