Wisconsin Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your take-home pay after federal & Wisconsin taxes

Updated for 2023 tax year on Sep 19, 2023

What was updated? 2023 federal income tax, state income tax, standard deduction & exemption

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Paycheck calculator for Wisconsin

Overview of Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a population of just under 5.9 million (2019) and is famous for being America’s Dairyland and beer culture. The median household income is $59,305 (2017), slightly lower than the national median income of $62,626 (2017).

Brief summary:

  • the income tax rate ranges from 3.54% to 7.65%
  • no local income taxes
  • no additional state payroll tax
  • income range and filing status determine the standard deduction
Wisconsin state

From Wikipedia

Understanding your Wisconsin paycheck

Demystifying the complexities of your Wisconsin paycheck is essential for effectively managing your finances, whether you’re a newcomer to the workforce or a seasoned professional. This article will delve into the W-4, pre-tax and post-tax deductions, and more, using a mix of complex and simple sentences.

Let’s start with your gross pay. This figure represents the total amount earned before deductions. However, various factors will decrease this amount, resulting in your net pay. Let’s examine these components and track where your hard-earned money goes.

A primary aspect of your paycheck is the federal income tax withheld, determined using the W-4 form you submit to your employer. This crucial form calculates the appropriate withholding based on your filing status, income, dependents, and any additional income or deductions.

Wisconsin imposes a progressive state income tax, meaning that tax rates increase as your income level rises. Grasping this distinction and how it affects your paycheck is vital.

Moreover, your paycheck will include payroll taxes such as Social Security and Medicare, collectively known as FICA taxes. These taxes support critical social programs, benefiting both current and future generations. Employees and employers contribute jointly to these essential programs.

In addition to taxes, your paycheck may consist of various deductions. Pre-tax deductions, including contributions to retirement plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), reduce your taxable income, allowing you to save on taxes while investing in your future.

Conversely, post-tax deductions occur after calculating your taxable income. These deductions may include union dues, charitable donations, and wage garnishments. As each situation is unique, staying informed about the specific deductions applicable to you is vital.

Once all deductions and taxes are accounted for, you’ll receive your net pay—the amount deposited into your bank account. Regularly reviewing your pay stubs ensures the accuracy of deductions and helps you understand 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 reduce your taxable income, potentially lowering your taxes and bolstering your financial future.

Calculate your Wisconsin paycheck

Wisconsin tax year starts from July 01 the year before to June 30 the current year.

Similar to the calculation of federal income tax, Wisconsin income tax can be worked out in 5 simple steps:

  1. figure out your filing status
  2. work out your adjusted gross income [Net income – Adjustments = Adjusted gross income]
  3. calculate your taxable income [Adjusted gross income – Standard/Itemized deductions = Taxable income]
  4. understand your income tax liability [Taxable income × Income tax rate = Income tax liability]
  5. minus any tax liability, deductions, withholdings [Net income – (Income tax liability + Pre-tax deductions + Post-tax deductions + Withholdings) = Your paycheck]

State payroll tax

Some states have payroll taxes such as:

  • State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
  • State Disability Insurance (SDI)
  • State Family Leave Insurance (FLI)

However, Wisconsin has none of these additional paycheck taxes. Your paycheck will have only federal FICA taxes deducted from it.

State income tax brackets

Single and Head of Household filers have the same income tax rates, while the two types of married filers have different rates. For more information on tax brackets, please refer to Tax Foundation.

Tax year Filing status Taxable income Rate
2023 Single $0 - $13,810 3.54%
$13,810 - $27,630 4.65%
$27,630 - $304,170 5.3%
$304,170+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) $0 - $18,420 3.54%
$18,420 - $36,840 4.65%
$36,840 - $405,550 5.3%
$405,550+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Separately $0 - $9,210 3.54%
$9,210 - $18,420 4.65%
$18,420 - $202,775 5.3%
$202,775+ 7.65%
2022 Single
Head of Household
$0 - $12,760 3.54%
$12,760 - $25,520 4.65%
$25,520 - $280,950 5.3%
$280,950+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) $0 - $17,010 3.54%
$17,010 - $34,030 4.65%
$34,030 - $374,600 5.3%
$374,600+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Separately $0 - $8,505 3.54%
$8,505 - $17,015 4.65%
$17,015 - $187,300 5.3%
$187,300+ 7.65%
2021 Single
Head of Household
$0 – $12,120 3.86%
$12,120 – $24,250 5.04%
$24,250 – $266,930 6.27%
$266,930+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) $0 – $16,160 3.86%
$16,160 – $32,330 5.04%
$32,330 – $355,910 6.27%
$355,910+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Separately $0 – $8,080 3.86%
$8,080 – $16,160 5.04%
$161,60- $177,950 6.27%
$177,950+ 7.65%
2020 Single
Head of Household
$0 – $11,760 3.86%
$11,760 – $23,520 5.04%
$23,520 – $258,950 6.27%
$258,950+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) $0 – $15,680 3.86%
$15,680 – $31,360 5.04%
$31,360 – $345,270 6.27%
$345,270+ 7.65%
Married, Filing Separately $0 – $7,84 3.86%
$7,840 – $15,680 5.04%
$15,680 – $172,630 6.27%
$172,630+ 7.65%

State standard deduction

Wisconsin has a standard deduction that is based on income range and filing status. Refer to the detailed breakdown from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Tax year Maximum standard deduction
Single Married filing jointly Married filing separately Head of a household
2023 $12,760 $23,620 $11,220 $16,470
2022 $11,790 $21,820 $10,370 $15,230
2021 $11,200 $20,730 $9,850 $14,470
2020 $11,050 $20,470 $9,720 $14,280

State exemptions

You can claim yourself and another dependent(s) as an exemption(s). For more information on personal exemptions, please refer to Tax Foundation.

Tax year Filing status Personal exemption amount
2023
2022
2021
2020
Single $700
Married $1,400
Dependent $700

FAQs

What taxes do Wisconsinites pay?

Since there is no state payroll tax, Wisconsinites must pay income tax ranging from 3.54% to 7.65%, depending on the filing status. There is a standard deduction, and you can claim personal exemption(s).

How much do you make after taxes in Wisconsin?

Based on an annual salary of $60,000, a single filer will have a monthly take-home pay of $3,961.99 or $47,543.83 annually. For a married filer with a combined annual salary of $120,000, the annual take-home pay will be $94,310.72 or $7,859.23 monthly.

How much taxes are deducted from a $60,000 paycheck in Wisconsin?

The total taxes deducted for a single filer are $1038.01 monthly or $479.09 bi-weekly.