Washington DC Paycheck Calculator
See exactly what you take home after federal taxes, Washington DC state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Updated for 2026.
Washington DC Income Tax Explained (2026)
Washington DC has a state income tax with a progressive (4%–10.75%) structure. Workers earning typical wages generally pay an effective state rate between 4.5% and 8.9% depending on income and deductions. Understanding how Washington DC's tax works helps you accurately predict your take-home pay and plan your withholding.
Washington DC residents also pay federal income tax (10%–37%), Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), and Medicare (1.45%). The combination of federal and state taxes is the primary driver of the gap between your gross pay and your actual paycheck.
How Washington DC compares to neighboring states
What taxes come out of a Washington DC paycheck?
A Washington DC W-2 employee's paycheck is reduced by federal income tax (progressive 10%–37%), Washington DC state income tax (progressive (4%–10.75%)), Social Security at 6.2% on wages up to $184,500, and Medicare at 1.45% on all wages. High earners above $200,000 also pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on excess wages.
Washington DC freelancers and 1099 contractors pay self-employment tax of 15.3% — covering both employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare — on top of both federal and state income taxes. Half of the self-employment tax is deductible from federal adjusted gross income, reducing the effective burden slightly. Washington DC freelancers must also make quarterly estimated state tax payments.
Washington DC tax tips for 2026
- High top rate: DC has one of the highest income tax rates in the country, with a 10.75% rate on income over $1 million. Most workers in DC's $75,000–$200,000 range pay the 8.5%–8.95% rate.
- No state return: DC residents file a D-40 return with the Office of Tax and Revenue — not a federal state return. This is separate from your federal Form 1040.
- Standard deduction: DC's standard deduction is $12,950 for single filers (2026). DC also conforms to many federal tax provisions.
- Commuter note: If you work in DC but live in Maryland or Virginia, you pay income tax to your state of residence, not DC. This only applies to workers who live AND work in DC.