Paycheck calculator by state

How the states compare

Nine states take nothing from wages. Of the 42 jurisdictions that do, 17 apply a single flat rate and 25 use graduated brackets. Top rates run from 2.5% in Arizona and North Dakota to 13.3% in California.

The rate alone will mislead you in ten states, because counties, cities or school districts levy income taxes of their own on top. Maryland's county tax averages around 2.4% of income, Ohio's municipalities commonly charge 1% to 2.5%, every Indiana county levies one, and New York City adds roughly 3% to 3.9%. Each state's page covers its own local picture.