Wisconsin has progressive income tax rates from 3.5% to 7.65% — moderate compared to some neighboring states but higher than many others.
Wisconsin Income Tax Rates for 2026
Bracket thresholds below reflect the last confirmed structure — confirm exact current-year thresholds with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, as they are inflation-indexed annually.
Single Filers
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $14,320 | 3.50% |
| $14,320 - $28,640 | 4.40% |
| $28,640 - $315,310 | 5.30% |
| Over $315,310 | 7.65% |
Married Filing Jointly
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $19,090 | 3.50% |
| $19,090 - $38,190 | 4.40% |
| $38,190 - $420,420 | 5.30% |
| Over $420,420 | 7.65% |
Head of Household
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $14,320 | 3.50% |
| $14,320 - $28,640 | 4.40% |
| $28,640 - $315,310 | 5.30% |
| Over $315,310 | 7.65% |
Wisconsin Tax Calculator Examples
Example 1: $75,000 Single Filer
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $75,000 |
| Tax on first $14,320 | $501 |
| Tax on $14,320 - $28,640 | $630 |
| Tax on $28,640 - $75,000 | $2,457 |
| Total WI state tax | $3,588 |
| Effective rate | 4.78% |
Example 2: $150,000 Married Filing Jointly
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $150,000 |
| Tax on first $19,090 | $668 |
| Tax on $19,090 - $38,190 | $840 |
| Tax on $38,190 - $150,000 | $5,926 |
| Total WI state tax | $7,434 |
| Effective rate | 4.96% |
Wisconsin Standard Deduction (2026)
Wisconsin’s standard deduction phases out at higher incomes. Confirm current-year amounts and phase-out thresholds with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, as these were the last confirmed figures and were not independently re-verified this session:
| Filing Status | Max Deduction (confirm current) | Phase-out Begins (confirm current) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | ~$13,230 | ~$19,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | ~$24,480 | ~$30,630 |
| Head of Household | ~$17,220 | ~$19,000 |
The standard deduction is reduced for incomes above the phase-out thresholds.
Wisconsin Tax Credits
Confirm current amounts and percentages with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, as these figures were not independently re-verified this session:
Earned Income Credit
Wisconsin provides a percentage of the federal EITC that varies by number of qualifying children — confirm current percentages.
Homestead Credit
For lower-income homeowners and renters — confirm the current maximum credit and income threshold with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
School Property Tax Credit
- Available to homeowners
- Based on property tax paid
- Max credit varies by income
What Income is Taxed in Wisconsin?
Taxed:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Interest and dividends
- Capital gains
- 401(k) and traditional IRA distributions
- Pension income
- Rental income
Not taxed:
- Social Security — Fully exempt
- Wisconsin municipal bond interest
- Railroad retirement benefits
Retirement Income Taxation
| Type | Taxed in WI? |
|---|---|
| Social Security | No — Fully exempt |
| 401(k)/Traditional IRA | Yes |
| Pension (private) | Yes |
| Wisconsin state pension | Partially exempt |
| Military retirement | Exempt |
Wisconsin vs. Neighboring States
| State | Top Income Tax Rate (confirm current figures) |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | 9.85% |
| Iowa | 3.8% (flat, transition complete as of 2025) |
| Wisconsin | 7.65% |
| Illinois | 4.95% (flat) |
| Michigan | 4.25% (flat) |
Local Income Taxes
Wisconsin does not have local income taxes. Only the state tax applies.
Filing Wisconsin State Taxes
| Filing Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Form | Form 1 |
| Due date | April 15 (with federal) |
| E-file | Yes, through WI DOR |
| Extension | Automatic with federal extension |
Wisconsin Sales Tax
Confirm current state and combined local sales tax rates with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, as these were not independently re-verified this session. Groceries are exempt from Wisconsin sales tax.
Tips to Reduce Wisconsin Taxes
- Max retirement contributions — 401(k), IRA reduce taxable income
- Claim Homestead Credit — if income-eligible
- School Property Tax Credit — for homeowners
- Capital loss harvesting — offset gains
- HSA contributions — triple tax advantage at the federal level
- Retirement in WI — Social Security fully exempt
Wisconsin Tax Authority
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Website: revenue.wi.gov
- Phone: 608-266-2486
- For refunds, returns, and questions
Bottom Line
Wisconsin has progressive income tax rates from 3.5% to 7.65%, with the 5.30% rate covering most middle-class earners. The state fully exempts Social Security benefits and military retirement pay. While not as high as Minnesota, Wisconsin taxes are higher than Illinois and Michigan’s flat rates, and now higher than Iowa’s flat 3.8% rate. The standard deduction phase-out affects higher earners significantly.
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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