Delaware’s signature tax advantage is simple: no sales tax. Delaware is one of just five states without a state or local sales tax, eliminating a cost that runs 6%–10% in neighboring states. Delaware also has very low property taxes (0.55% average effective rate). The tradeoff is a progressive income tax that reaches 6.6% on income over $60,000 — though strong retirement income exclusions ($12,500 for those 60+) and a full Social Security exemption substantially reduce the burden for retirees.
Delaware Income Tax Brackets 2026
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $2,000 | 0% |
| $2,001 – $5,000 | 2.2% |
| $5,001 – $10,000 | 3.9% |
| $10,001 – $20,000 | 4.8% |
| $20,001 – $25,000 | 5.2% |
| $25,001 – $60,000 | 5.55% |
| Over $60,000 | 6.6% |
These rates apply to both single and married filers against their respective taxable income after deductions. Delaware has not restructured its brackets in recent years, unlike many states currently cutting rates.
Delaware Standard Deduction
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $3,250 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $6,500 |
| Married Filing Separately | $3,250 |
| Widow(er) | $6,500 |
Delaware’s standard deduction is lower than the federal standard deduction. However, Delaware taxpayers can choose to itemize Delaware deductions separately from their federal return — some Delaware deductions differ from federal.
Delaware Personal Exemption
| Exemption | Amount |
|---|---|
| Each taxpayer and spouse | $110 |
| Each dependent | $110 |
| Age 65+ additional | $110 |
| Blind additional | $110 |
Delaware’s personal exemption of $110 is nominal — the standard deduction provides the primary reduction in taxable income.
Delaware Tax Calculation Example
Married couple earning $95,000:
- Gross income: $95,000
- Standard deduction: −$6,500
- Exemptions (2 × $110): −$220
- Taxable income: $88,280
- Tax calculation:
- $2,000 × 0% = $0
- $3,000 × 2.2% = $66
- $5,000 × 3.9% = $195
- $10,000 × 4.8% = $480
- $5,000 × 5.2% = $260
- $35,000 × 5.55% = $1,943
- $28,280 × 6.6% = $1,866
- Total Delaware tax: ~$4,810
- Effective rate on gross income: 5.1%
Social Security: Fully Exempt
Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits. All Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor income is excluded from Delaware gross income. This applies at all income levels — there are no income thresholds or phase-outs.
Retirement Income Exclusion (Age 60+)
Delaware offers a meaningful exclusion for retirement income beyond Social Security:
| Age | Exclusion Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 60 | $2,000 |
| 60 and older | $12,500 |
The exclusion applies to:
- Pension income (public and private)
- 401(k) and 403(b) distributions
- Traditional IRA withdrawals
- Annuity payments
- Other eligible retirement income
Military retirement pay is fully exempt at any age — not capped at $12,500.
Retiree Tax Impact Example
A 65-year-old Delaware resident with the following income:
- Social Security: $24,000 → Exempt
- IRA distribution: $30,000 → $12,500 exempt, $17,500 taxable
- Pension: $20,000 → Covered by $12,500 exclusion (already used) → $20,000 taxable
Taxable income: $17,500 + $20,000 = $37,500 − $6,500 (standard deduction) − $220 (exemptions) = $30,780
Delaware tax on $30,780 (married): approximately $1,526 Effective rate on $74,000 total income: 2.1%
This illustrates how Delaware’s exemptions dramatically reduce the effective tax rate for retirees — from the headline 6.6% top rate to a real-world rate well below 3% for most retired households.
No Sales Tax: Delaware’s Signature Advantage
Delaware is one of only five states with no state sales tax (along with Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alaska). This has tangible benefits:
| Purchase | 6% Sales Tax State | Delaware Savings |
|---|---|---|
| $30,000 car | $1,800 in tax | $1,800 saved |
| $5,000 furniture | $300 in tax | $300 saved |
| $500 electronics | $30 in tax | $30 saved |
| Annual grocery bill ($8,000) | $480 (in 6% state) | $480 saved |
Delaware routinely draws shoppers from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey — all of which have sales taxes of 6%–7%. The tax-free shopping advantage is most pronounced for large purchases: cars, appliances, and furniture.
Note: Delaware does levy a gross receipts tax on businesses — this is effectively passed to consumers through pricing, though it is not a visible line item on purchases.
Delaware Property Tax
| Metric | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Average effective rate | ~0.55% |
| National average | ~1.10% |
| On a $250,000 home | ~$1,375/year |
| On a $400,000 home | ~$2,200/year |
Property taxes are assessed at the county level. Delaware’s three counties have different effective rates:
| County | Effective Rate | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex | ~0.41% | Beach/resort communities |
| Kent | ~0.49% | Dover, rural |
| New Castle | ~0.71% | Wilmington suburban area |
Sussex County — home to Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Bethany Beach — has the lowest property taxes and is the most popular destination for retirees relocating to Delaware.
Senior Property Tax Exemption
Delaware provides a property tax exemption for homeowners age 65 or older who meet income requirements. The exemption varies by county and reduces the assessed value used to calculate taxes. In Sussex County, qualifying seniors can receive a 50% property tax exemption on the first $50,000 of assessed value.
Delaware vs. Northeast Neighbors
| State | Top Income Tax | Sales Tax | Avg. Property Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 6.6% | 0% | ~0.55% |
| Maryland | 5.75% + local (up to 3.2%) | 6% | ~1.07% |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% flat | 6% | ~1.49% |
| New Jersey | 10.75% | 6.625% | ~2.23% |
| New York | 10.9% | 4% + local | ~1.72% |
Delaware’s income tax top rate looks high compared to Pennsylvania’s 3.07% flat rate. However, Pennsylvania has a 6% sales tax and much higher property taxes in the Philadelphia suburbs. For retirees with significant property holdings and low earned income, Delaware can be meaningfully cheaper overall.
Capital Gains
Delaware taxes capital gains as ordinary income at the regular bracket rates. There is no preferential rate for long-term capital gains:
| Gain Type | Delaware Rate |
|---|---|
| Short-term gains | 0%–6.6% (ordinary rates) |
| Long-term gains | 0%–6.6% (ordinary rates) |
Wilmington City Wage Tax
Residents of the City of Wilmington pay an additional local wage tax of 1.25% on top of Delaware state income tax. Non-residents who work in Wilmington also pay a 1.25% non-resident wage tax on income earned within the city. This is the only significant local income tax in Delaware — other cities and towns do not levy one.
For those considering Delaware, living outside Wilmington city limits avoids the additional 1.25% wage tax while still being close to the city’s employment base.
Delaware Estate and Inheritance Tax
Delaware repealed its estate tax effective January 1, 2018. There is no Delaware estate tax or inheritance tax — all assets pass to heirs free of state estate/inheritance taxes, regardless of the size of the estate.
Filing Requirements
| Filing Status | Filing Threshold |
|---|---|
| Single | $9,400 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $15,450 |
| Non-resident | Any Delaware-source income |
Filing deadline: April 30 — Delaware’s filing deadline is April 30, not April 15 like most states. Extensions are available.
Electronic filing is available through the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Who Should Consider Delaware?
Strong fit for:
- Retirees 60+ who can leverage the $12,500 retirement income exclusion, SS exemption, and low property taxes
- Military retirees — full military pension exemption
- Those making large purchases regularly — no sales tax provides ongoing savings
- Homebuyers in Sussex County — lowest property tax rate plus beach proximity
- High-net-worth individuals with large estates — no estate or inheritance tax
Consider before moving:
- Top income tax rate of 6.6% is high compared to flat-tax or low-rate states
- Wilmington city residents pay an additional 1.25% wage tax
- Delaware is a small state with limited major metro job opportunities
- Humid Mid-Atlantic climate; not ideal if seeking dry or warm weather retirement
For a side-by-side comparison of every state’s income tax rates, see state income tax rates by state 2026 and best and worst states for taxes 2026. Federal income tax applies on top of state taxes — see 2026 federal income tax brackets to calculate your combined liability.
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