Virginia Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your take-home pay per paycheck for salary and hourly jobs after federal & Virginia taxes

Updated for 2025 tax year on Feb 14, 2025

Calculate your paycheck in these states

How to calculate your Virginia paycheck

Overview of Virginia

Virginia has a population of over 8.5 million (2019). The state is known as the nation’s birthplace since it was the first permanent English settlement site.

Brief summary:

• the income tax rate ranges from 2% to 5.75%
• no state-level payroll tax
• has standard deductions and exemptions

Understanding your Virginia paycheck

Understanding your paycheck is crucial, regardless of whether you’re starting a new job in Virginia or have been employed for years. This guide seeks to demystify the process, diving into various aspects such as the W-4 form, pre-tax and post-tax deductions, and more. With a mix of complex and straightforward sentences, let’s unravel the complexities of your Virginia paycheck.

Your paycheck starts with your gross pay, the total amount you’ve earned before deductions. However, multiple components will reduce this figure, resulting in your final net pay. Let’s explore these elements and learn where your hard-earned money goes.

A key component of your paycheck is the federal income tax withheld, determined using theW-4 form you provide to your employer. This vital document helps calculate the proper withholding based on your filing status, income, dependents, and additional income or deductions. Periodically updating your W-4 is important, particularly after significant life events, such as getting married or having a child, to ensure the correct amount of tax is withheld.

Virginia, like other states, imposes a state income tax. The Commonwealth employs a progressive tax system, meaning that as your income increases, so does the tax rate. You’ll only pay the higher tax rate on the portion of your income that surpasses specific thresholds.

In addition to income taxes, your paycheck will include payroll taxes, commonly called FICA taxes. Employees and employers jointly contribute to these vital programs.

In addition to taxes, several deductions may apply to your paycheck. Pre-tax deductions, such as contributions to retirement plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), reduce your taxable income. As a result, you may save on taxes while investing in your future.

Post-tax deductions, conversely, occur after calculating your taxable income. These deductions can encompass union dues, charitable donations, and wage garnishments. Since each situation is unique, staying informed about the specific deductions that apply to you is crucial.

After accounting for all deductions, you’ll receive your take-home pay. Regularly reviewing your pay stubs ensures the accuracy of deductions and helps you grasp the impact of financial decisions on your take-home pay.

To optimize your tax situation, consider contributing to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k) plans and HSAs. These pre-tax contributions lower your taxable income, potentially saving on taxes and bolstering your financial future.

Calculate your Virginia paycheck

Calculating your Virginia state income tax is similar to the steps we listed on our main paycheck calculator page:

1. Determine your gross income
   • Annual salary
     Annual salary = Gross income
   • Hourly wage
     Hourly wage × Hours worked per day × Days worked per week × Weeks worked per year = Your weekly paycheck
2. Work out your total federal income tax
   1. Gross income adjusted
      Gross income − Pre-tax deductions = Gross income adjusted
   2. Federal taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − Federal standard/itemized deductions = Federal taxable income
   3. Federal income tax liability
      Federal taxable income × Federal income tax rate = Federal income tax liability
   4. Federal payroll tax liability
      Gross income × Federal payroll tax rate = Federal payroll tax liability
3. Calculate your total Virginia state income tax
   1. Virginia state taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − (Virginia state standard/itemized deductions + Virginia state exemptions) = Virginia state taxable income
   2. Virginia state income tax liability
      Virginia state taxable income × Virginia state income tax rate = Virginia state income tax liability
4. Figure out your net pay
   You need to account for any other deductions such as health insurance, 401(k) contribution, as well as additional withholdings.
   Gross income − (Total income tax liability + Total payroll tax liability + Total pre-tax deductions + Total post-tax deductions + Total withholdings) = Your net pay
5. Divide your net pay by your pay frequency
   
   • Daily
     Your net pay / Days worked per week / Weeks worked per year = Your daily paycheck
   • Weekly
     Your net pay / 52 = Your weekly paycheck
   • Bi-weekly
     Your net pay / 26 = Your bi-weekly paycheck
   • Semi-monthly
     Your net pay / 24 = Your semi-monthly paycheck
   • Monthly
     Your net pay / 12 = Your monthly paycheck
   • Quarterly
     Your net pay / 4 = Your quarterly paycheck
   • Semi-annual
     Your net pay / 2 = Your semi-annual paycheck
   • Annual
     Your net pay = Your annual paycheck

State income tax brackets

Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.

State standard deduction

State exemptions

There are state-level exemptions for all types of filers and dependents. Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.

FAQs