Question 1

How much is Wisconsin state income tax?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 3.54% to 7.65% for 2024-2025. The tax brackets are: 3.54% on the first portion of taxable income (up to $13,810 for single filers), 4.65% on income from $13,810 to $14,320, 5.30% on income from $14,320 to $280,950, and 7.65% on taxable income over $280,950 for single filers. Married filing jointly taxpayers have different thresholds ($18,420, $19,090, and $374,930). Wisconsin also allows a standard deduction of $12,760 (single) or $23,620 (married) which significantly reduces taxable income.

Question 2

How do I calculate my Wisconsin paycheck?

Accepted Answer

To calculate your Wisconsin paycheck: 1) Start with gross pay (annual salary divided by pay periods). 2) Calculate federal income tax using IRS withholding tables based on your W-4. 3) Calculate Wisconsin state tax using WI's progressive rates (3.54%-7.65%) after standard deduction ($12,760 single/$23,620 married). 4) Deduct Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600 wage base) and Medicare (1.45% all wages, plus 0.9% additional on high earners). 5) Subtract any additional withholdings. 6) Net pay = Gross pay - All deductions. Use our calculator for instant accurate results.

Question 3

What is the Wisconsin state tax rate for 2025?

Accepted Answer

For 2025, Wisconsin's state income tax rates are 3.54%, 4.65%, 5.30%, and 7.65% based on progressive tax brackets. Single filers pay 3.54% on taxable income up to $13,810, 4.65% on income from $13,810 to $14,320, 5.30% on income from $14,320 to $280,950, and 7.65% on taxable income over $280,950. Married filing jointly taxpayers have higher thresholds: $18,420, $19,090, and $374,930. Wisconsin also allows a standard deduction ($12,760 single, $23,620 married). These rates apply to income after deductions, not gross income. The top rate of 7.65% is relatively high compared to neighboring states.

Question 4

Does Wisconsin have local income tax?

Accepted Answer

No, Wisconsin does NOT have local income taxes at the city or county level. Wisconsin residents only pay state income tax to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, plus federal income tax to the IRS. This simplifies tax calculations compared to states like Ohio or Pennsylvania where cities impose additional local taxes. However, Wisconsin does have local sales taxes that vary by municipality. For paycheck withholding purposes, you only need to account for Wisconsin state tax (3.54%-7.65%), federal tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Milwaukee and other cities do NOT impose city income tax.

Question 5

How many allowances should I claim in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

The number of allowances (now called dependents on the updated W-4 form) depends on your personal situation. Generally: Single with no dependents: 1 allowance. Married with no dependents: 2 allowances (1 for you, 1 for spouse). Add 1 allowance for each dependent child or qualifying relative. More allowances = less tax withheld per paycheck (bigger paychecks, potential tax owed). Fewer allowances = more tax withheld (smaller paychecks, potential refund). Use the IRS W-4 calculator or consult the Wisconsin W-4 form (WT-4) to determine accurate withholding. You can adjust anytime by submitting a new W-4 to your employer.

Question 6

Are retirement benefits taxed in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most retirement income is taxed in Wisconsin, though there are some exemptions. Social Security benefits: Wisconsin does NOT tax Social Security benefits (following federal rules - if federally tax-free, it's state tax-free). Pensions and 401(k)/IRA distributions: Generally fully taxable at Wisconsin rates (3.54%-7.65%). However, Wisconsin offers a retirement income exemption: taxpayers can exclude up to $5,000 per person of qualifying retirement income if they meet certain conditions. Military retirement: Fully exempt from Wisconsin state income tax. Railroad retirement benefits: Exempt (following federal treatment). Public employee pensions (Wisconsin Retirement System): Subject to state tax but may qualify for partial exemption. Wisconsin's treatment of retirement income is less favorable than some states but better than those that tax all retirement income fully.

Question 7

What is take-home pay in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Take-home pay (net pay) in Wisconsin is your gross pay minus all deductions: federal tax, Wisconsin state tax (3.54%-7.65%), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any voluntary deductions (insurance, 401k). For example, on a $60,000 annual salary (single filer, 1 allowance): Bi-weekly gross = $2,307.69, Federal tax ~$181, WI state tax ~$93, Social Security $143, Medicare $33, Net pay ~$1,857 bi-weekly ($48,282 annually). That's approximately 80.5% of gross, or a 19.5% effective total tax rate. Wisconsin's state tax burden is moderate compared to neighboring states - lower than Minnesota and Illinois, but higher than Michigan. Use our calculator with your specific salary and filing status for precise results.

Question 8

How is overtime taxed in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Overtime pay is taxed the same as regular wages in Wisconsin—it's not taxed at a higher rate. However, it may appear to be taxed more because: 1) Your paycheck withholding is calculated as if you earn that amount every pay period all year (annualized), potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket. 2) This results in more withholding on that specific paycheck. 3) At year-end tax filing, your actual tax is calculated on total annual income, and any over-withholding is refunded. Overtime is subject to the same Wisconsin state tax (3.54%-7.65% progressive), federal tax (10%-37% brackets), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) as your regular pay. Wisconsin has four tax brackets, so overtime that pushes your annualized income higher gets withheld at the higher bracket rate.

Question 9

What deductions are available for Wisconsin state tax?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin offers several tax deductions and credits: Standard deduction: $12,760 (single), $23,620 (married filing jointly) for 2024. Itemized deductions: Mortgage interest, charitable contributions, medical expenses (must exceed standard deduction to itemize - follows federal itemized deductions largely). Retirement income exemption: Up to $5,000 per person for qualifying retirement income. School property tax credit: For homeowners paying property taxes. Earned Income Credit (EIC): Based on federal EIC, ranging from 4-11% of federal credit. Homestead Credit: For low-income homeowners based on property taxes paid. Veterans benefits: Various deductions for veterans and active military. Capital gains exclusion: 30% exclusion for long-term capital gains (60% for certain farm/business assets). These deductions reduce your Wisconsin taxable income. Always use actual Wisconsin forms (Form 1 or 1A) for precise calculations.

Question 10

Do I need to file a Wisconsin state tax return?

Accepted Answer

You must file a Wisconsin state income tax return if: 1) You're a Wisconsin resident with gross income above the filing threshold (generally $12,760 for single filers, $23,620 for married filing jointly in 2024 - equal to standard deduction). 2) You had Wisconsin income tax withheld and want a refund. 3) You're a non-resident who earned income from Wisconsin sources (wages, business income, rental property). Wisconsin residents file Form 1 (long form) or Form 1A (short form), non-residents file Form 1NPR. Part-year residents file Form 1 reporting all income with credit for taxes paid to other states. Filing deadline is April 15 (same as federal). Extensions available (file Form 4 by April 15 for 6-month extension to October 15). E-file is available through Wisconsin Department of Revenue or tax software.

Wisconsin Paycheck Calculator - WI Tax & Net Pay Calculator

Your Wisconsin Paycheck

Tax Withholdings

Wisconsin State Tax Overview

Example: $60,000 Annual Salary in Wisconsin

How Wisconsin Paycheck Tax Calculation Works

Wisconsin Paycheck Calculation Formula

Wisconsin Tax Brackets 2025

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Wisconsin Paycheck Examples

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Tax Withholding:

$40,000 Annual (Single)

$80,000 Annual (Married)

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