DE

Delaware Paycheck Calculator

See exactly what you take home after federal taxes, Delaware state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Updated for 2026.

State tax: 6.6% SS: 6.2% Medicare: 1.45% 2026 brackets
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1099 freelancer note: You owe both halves of Social Security & Medicare — that's 15.3% self-employment tax on top of income tax. Quarterly estimated payments due Apr 15, Jun 16, Sep 15, Jan 15.
Delaware state income tax (2026) Delaware top rate is 6.6% for income over $60,000.
Rates from 0% to 6.6% (over $60K)

Delaware Income Tax Explained (2026)

Delaware has a state income tax with a progressive (2.2%–6.6%) structure. Workers earning typical wages generally pay an effective state rate between 3.3% and 6.6% depending on income and deductions. Understanding how Delaware's tax works helps you accurately predict your take-home pay and plan your withholding.

Delaware 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 Delaware compares to neighboring states

Pennsylvania
3.07% flat
Much lower
Maryland
Up to 5.75%
Lower top rate
New Jersey
Up to 10.75%
Higher top rate
New York
Up to 10.9%
Higher top rate

What taxes come out of a Delaware paycheck?

A Delaware W-2 employee's paycheck is reduced by federal income tax (progressive 10%–37%), Delaware state income tax (progressive (2.2%–6.6%)), 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.

Delaware 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. Delaware freelancers must also make quarterly estimated state tax payments.

Delaware tax tips for 2026

  • No sales tax: Delaware has no state or local sales tax. This partially offsets the income tax burden and makes Delaware very attractive for major purchases.
  • Low property tax: Delaware has one of the lowest average property tax rates in the nation (~0.57%), which is a significant benefit for homeowners.
  • Pension exclusion: Delaware allows individuals over age 60 to exclude up to $12,500 of pension/retirement income from state taxation.
  • Estimated taxes: Delaware requires quarterly estimated payments if you owe more than $400 in state tax. Use Delaware Form 200-ES.

Frequently asked questions

Delaware has six progressive tax brackets: 0% on the first $2,000, 2.2% on $2,001–$5,000, 3.9% on $5,001–$10,000, 4.8% on $10,001–$20,000, 5.2% on $20,001–$25,000, and 6.6% on income above $25,000. The 6.6% top rate kicks in at a relatively low threshold, so most working adults pay it on the majority of their income.
For a single filer earning $75,000 in Delaware in 2026, after the standard deduction (~$3,250), state income tax is approximately $2,900–$3,100. Combined with federal tax (~$10,294), Social Security ($4,650), and Medicare ($1,088), total deductions are roughly $19,032. Take-home is approximately $55,968/year or ~$2,153 bi-weekly.
No. Delaware is one of five states with no state sales tax (alongside Alaska, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon). This is a major financial advantage when making large purchases — you pay the sticker price with no additional tax. There are also no local sales taxes in Delaware.
Delaware is the most popular state for corporate incorporation because of its favorable business laws, the specialized Court of Chancery for business disputes, well-established case law, and flexible corporate statutes. However, this primarily benefits corporations, not individual workers — Delaware residents pay normal income tax on their wages.
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