Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax system with four brackets ranging from 3.54% to 7.65% for 2026. The standard deduction is $13,910 (single) or $25,800 (married). The top rate of 7.65% kicks in at $280,950 of taxable income for single filers.

On a $100,000 salary filing single, after the standard deduction, your Wisconsin state tax comes to roughly $4,900. That's more expensive than neighboring states like Indiana (3.05% flat, about $2,900) and Michigan (4.25% flat, about $3,800).

On top of Wisconsin tax, you've got federal progressive brackets with the standard deduction, plus FICA at 7.65% combined. 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income at both the federal and state level — and at a 7.65% top state rate, every dollar you shelter is worth more.

Wisconsin doesn't tax Social Security benefits. Property taxes, however, are among the highest in the nation at about 1.85% average effective rate. Combined sales tax is 5.46% (the state rate is 5%, with minimal local add-ons). For retirees, the high property taxes can offset the moderate income tax. Compare WI to other states.

How It's Calculated

Formula

WI State Tax = ∑(Bracket Income × Bracket Rate), brackets: 3.54%–7.65%

Step-by-Step

1Subtract WI standard deduction ($13,910 single / $25,800 married) from gross income
2Apply WI progressive brackets (3.54%–7.65%) to state taxable income
3Add federal tax (10%–37% progressive brackets) and FICA (7.65%)
4Pre-tax deductions (401(k), HSA) reduce both federal and WI taxable income
5Sum all taxes and subtract from gross pay for net take-home

Example

$100,000 salary, single in WI: WI deduction $13,910. WI tax ≈ $4,900. Federal ≈ $11,670. FICA = $7,650. Net ≈ $75,780.

For detailed data sources and full methodology, see our Methodology & Data Sources page.

Key Rates & Data for 2026

WI Tax Brackets

3.54% – 7.65%

WI Standard Deduction (Single)

$13,910

WI Avg Property Tax Rate

~1.85%

WI Avg Combined Sales Tax

5.46%

WI Top Rate Threshold (Single)

$280,950

Wisconsin Tax Calculator FAQ

How much is Wisconsin state income tax in 2026?

Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with four brackets ranging from 3.54% to 7.65%. The top rate of 7.65% kicks in above $276,270 in taxable income for single filers. For a $75K single filer, the effective state tax rate works out to roughly 4.2% after the standard deduction. That's higher than neighboring Minnesota's bottom bracket but lower than Minnesota's top rate of 9.85%.

What is the Wisconsin standard deduction for 2026?

Wisconsin offers a standard deduction that varies by filing status: $12,990 for single filers, $24,070 for married filing jointly, and $18,340 for head of household. The deduction phases out at higher income levels. This is separate from the federal standard deduction and applies only to your Wisconsin state tax calculation.

Does Wisconsin tax Social Security benefits?

No. Wisconsin does not tax Social Security benefits. However, other retirement income — including 401(k) withdrawals, IRA distributions, and most pension income — is fully taxable at the state's regular rates (up to 7.65%). That can be a significant hit for retirees with large retirement account balances. Wisconsin does offer a small retirement income exclusion for seniors with lower incomes.

How does Wisconsin compare to neighboring states on taxes?

Wisconsin's top rate of 7.65% is higher than all its neighbors except Minnesota (9.85%). Iowa is transitioning to a flat rate around 5.7%, Illinois is flat at 4.95%, and Michigan is flat at 4.25%. However, Wisconsin's standard deduction is more generous than some states, so the effective rate for moderate earners is often lower than the bracket rate suggests. Property taxes are also relatively high at about 1.63%.

Is Wisconsin a good state for retirees?

Not particularly. While Social Security is exempt, most other retirement income is taxed at rates up to 7.65%. Wisconsin also has high property taxes (1.63% average) and a moderate 5% state sales tax. States like Illinois (no tax on retirement income) or Michigan (tax-exempt pensions) are more retiree-friendly in the region. The main Wisconsin advantage is the Social Security exemption, but that's common across most states.

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