2026 Texas Tax Calculator: 0% State Tax & Take-Home Paycheck
Calculate your exact net paycheck in the Lone Star State. Accurate for 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA payroll withholdings, and Texas's 0% constitutional individual income tax.
Interactive Texas Paycheck Calculator
2026 Texas Take-Home Pay Estimate
Full Paycheck & Tax Withholding Schedule
Instant comparison across annual, monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly pay periods.
| Tax Category | Annual | Monthly (12x) | Bi-Weekly (26x) | Weekly (52x) | % of Gross |
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2026 Federal & State Calculation Details
How Texas Taxes Your Paycheck in 2026
Texas is celebrated for its pro-business and worker-friendly tax environment. Along with Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming, Texas charges 0% personal state income tax.
In November 2019, Texas voters overwhelmingly ratified Proposition 4, embedding Article 8, Section 24-a into the Texas Constitution. This constitutional amendment makes it practically impossible for future legislatures to create a state income tax, requiring a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers followed by a statewide voter referendum.
What Taxes Are Withheld from a Texas Paycheck?
Even though Texas takes 0%, your paycheck is still subject to federal tax withholdings governed by the IRS and Social Security Administration:
- Federal Income Tax: Calculated according to your IRS Form W-4, tax brackets (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%), and standard deduction ($15,000 Single / $30,000 Married Jointly for 2026).
- Social Security (OASDI): 6.2% withholding on all wage earnings up to the official $176,100 wage base limit for 2026. Any earnings above $176,100 are taxed at 0%.
- Medicare: 1.45% withholding on all wages with no cap, plus an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples).
- City or Municipal Income Taxes: $0. Texas state law explicitly forbids municipalities from levying local wage or earned income taxes.
Texas 2026 Tax Rates & Paycheck Comparison
| Gross Salary | Federal Income Tax | FICA (SS + Medicare) | Texas State Tax | Net Take-Home Pay | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,865 | $3,825 | $0 | $42,310 | 15.4% |
| $75,000 | $7,842 | $5,738 | $0 | $61,420 | 18.1% |
| $100,000 | $13,019 | $7,650 | $0 | $79,331 | 20.7% |
| $150,000 | $24,019 | $11,475 | $0 | $114,506 | 23.7% |
| $200,000 | $36,019 | $13,818 | $0 | $150,163 | 24.9% |
Retirement Income Taxation in Texas
Retirees in Texas enjoy one of the most advantageous tax climates in the nation. The following retirement incomes are completely exempt from state taxation:
- Social Security Benefits: Texas imposes zero tax on Social Security, regardless of your federal provisional income tier.
- 401(k), 403(b), and Traditional IRA Distributions: Subject to federal income tax only; zero Texas state tax.
- Public & Military Pensions: Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS), Employee Retirement System (ERS), municipal pensions, and military retirement pay incur zero state tax.
Other Taxes in Texas: Sales and Property
Because Texas generates no revenue from individual income taxes, state and local governments fund schools, infrastructure, and public safety through sales taxes and local property taxes:
- Sales Tax: The statewide base rate is 6.25%, with local municipalities adding up to 2.00% for a typical total rate of 8.25%. Groceries and prescription medicines are exempt.
- Property Taxes: Assessed locally by appraisal districts and school boards. While property taxes in Texas are higher than the national median, recent legislative reforms raised the homestead exemption to provide substantial relief for primary homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Taxes
Can a Texas city like Austin, Dallas, or Houston impose an income tax?
No. Under Texas state law and the Texas Local Government Code, municipalities and counties have no authority to impose local wage taxes, occupational privilege taxes, or earned income taxes. Your state and city tax liability is 0% anywhere in Texas.
Do I have to file a state tax return in Texas?
No. Individuals living and working solely in Texas do not file a state individual income tax return. You only need to file your federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) by the April 15 deadline.
How does Texas compare to high-tax states like California or New York?
A single worker earning $100,000 in Texas takes home roughly $79,331. In California (where state marginal rates reach 9.3% plus disability tax), the same worker takes home approximately $71,800. In New York City (state plus city tax), net take-home pay is around $71,200. Living in Texas saves roughly $7,500 to $8,100 per year in take-home pay at that salary level.