Virginia Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay in Virginia. The state levies a graduated income tax that tops out at 5.75% (2% to 5.75% across 4 brackets). This means a portion of every paycheck goes toward state income tax in addition to federal withholding, Social Security, and Medicare.
Disclaimer: All figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates, brackets, and withholding rules change and vary by locality and personal circumstances. Verify current rates with the Virginia Department of Revenue or the IRS, and consult a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions.
Virginia Tax Snapshot
- State Income Tax
- 5.75% top rate
- Sales Tax (state + local avg)
- 5.77%
- Avg Property Tax Rate
- 0.8%
- Median Home Value
- $371,600
- State Minimum Wage
- $12.77/hr
Did You Know?
Virginia reaches its top 5.75% bracket at just $17,001 of taxable income, so most full-time workers pay the top rate.
How Virginia's Graduated Brackets Affect Your Paycheck
When you earn a paycheck in Virginia, your employer withholds federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). On top of that, the state withholds income tax based on 2% to 5.75% across 4 brackets. The state minimum wage is $12.77 per hour, which sets the floor for hourly workers. Understanding these deductions helps you budget effectively and plan for the average 0.8% property tax rate on homes valued around $371,600.
Virginia also levies a combined state and average local sales tax of 5.77%, which affects your overall purchasing power. Factor this into your budget when calculating how far your paycheck stretches.
Where You Live vs. Where You Work in Virginia
Virginia has income tax reciprocity agreements with District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. If you live in Virginia and work in one of those jurisdictions — or the other way round — your wages are taxed only by your state of residence, provided you file the non-residence certificate your employer's state requires. Without that form on file, the work state will withhold anyway and you will have to claim it back.
Virginia has no general local income or wage tax, so state withholding is the only state-level line on your pay stub alongside federal tax and FICA.
How Virginia's Income Tax Compares Nationally
Virginia uses a graduated income tax — 2% to 5.75% across 4 brackets — so higher slices of income are taxed at higher rates rather than one flat percentage.
Its 5.75% top rate is the 18th-highest nationally among the 42 states and jurisdictions that tax wages, above the median top rate of 5.25%.
For comparison, nearby states line up like this: Kentucky (top rate 3.5%); Maryland (top rate 6.5%); North Carolina (top rate 3.99%); Tennessee (no income tax); West Virginia (top rate 4.82%).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia have a state income tax? + −
Yes. Virginia has a state income tax with a top rate of 5.75%. Your effective rate depends on your filing status and income brackets. Virginia reaches its top 5.75% bracket at just $17,001 of taxable income, so most full-time workers pay the top rate.
What is the sales tax rate in Virginia? + −
The Virginia state sales tax rate is 5.3%. When you include the average local rate of 0.47%, the combined rate is approximately 5.77%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
How do I calculate my Virginia take-home pay? + −
Start with your gross salary, subtract federal income tax (based on your W-4 and tax bracket), subtract FICA taxes (7.65% — 6.2% Social Security up to the wage base + 1.45% Medicare), then subtract Virginia state income tax at your marginal rate. The remainder is your net take-home pay. Our calculator does this automatically.
What payroll deductions apply in Virginia? + −
All Virginia employees pay federal income tax and FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%). State income tax is also withheld based on Virginia's brackets. Additional deductions may include 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and any local taxes.
How often are Virginia employees typically paid? + −
Most Virginia employees are paid biweekly (26 paychecks per year) or semi-monthly (24 paychecks). Some employers use weekly or monthly pay schedules. Our calculator supports all frequencies — enter your gross pay for one period and it calculates your net pay after all applicable Virginia taxes and deductions.
What are the Virginia income tax brackets? + −
Virginia uses a graduated structure: 2% to 5.75% across 4 brackets. Only the income that falls within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate, so your effective rate is always lower than the 5.75% top rate.
Is Virginia a high income tax state? + −
Virginia's top rate of 5.75% ranks 18th-highest among the 42 states and jurisdictions with a wage income tax, above the national median top rate of 5.25%. Because the brackets are graduated (2% to 5.75% across 4 brackets), most filers pay an effective rate well below the headline number.
Does Virginia have income tax reciprocity with other states? + −
Yes — with District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Under those agreements your wages are taxed only where you live, not where you work. You have to give your employer the non-residence withholding certificate for the work state; if you do not, that state withholds its tax and you have to file a return there to get it refunded.
How do nearby states' income taxes compare with Virginia's? + −
Kentucky (top rate 3.5%); Maryland (top rate 6.5%); North Carolina (top rate 3.99%); Tennessee (no income tax); West Virginia (top rate 4.82%). 1 of the 5 nearby states listed has a higher top rate than Virginia's 5.75%.
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