Virginia Paycheck Calculator 2026 - Calculate Your VA Salary After Taxes

Calculate Your Virginia Salary After Taxes for 2026

If you're working in Virginia or considering a job offer in the Old Dominion, understanding your Virginia salary after taxes for the 2026 tax year is crucial for financial planning, especially given Virginia's proximity to Washington, D.C., and the high concentration of federal workers and contractors in Northern Virginia. Virginia uses a progressive income tax system in 2026, with rates ranging from 2% for lower-income earners up to 5.75% for the highest earners. This means different portions of your income are taxed at different rates, which can make calculating your Virginia paycheck more complex than states with flat taxes, but the progressive system is designed to be more equitable for lower-income workers, and Virginia's top rate of 5.75% is relatively moderate compared to other progressive tax states.

For example, a government contractor earning $110,000 in Northern Virginia will see their Virginia salary after taxes reduced by approximately $5,000-$6,500 in state taxes (progressive rates), plus federal taxes and FICA. A teacher earning $65,000 in Richmond will pay around $2,500-$3,200 in Virginia state taxes. A healthcare worker earning $92,000 in Virginia Beach will pay approximately $4,200-$5,000 in Virginia state taxes at higher marginal rates. The progressive tax system means lower-income earners pay a smaller percentage of their income in state taxes, while higher earners pay more, but Virginia's top rate of 5.75% is relatively moderate compared to other progressive tax states like Maryland (5.75% top rate) or DC (rates up to 8.75%), making Virginia attractive for workers in the DC metro area.

Our Virginia paycheck calculator for 2026 helps you determine your exact Virginia salary after taxes. Because we maintain federal, FICA, and Virginia withholding tables for every filing status and income bracket using the latest 2026 tax rates, the calculator instantly shows both per-paycheck and annual net pay. Toggle between salary and hourly pay, include pre-tax deductions such as 401(k), HSA, or health insurance, and watch the tool recompute your Virginia take-home pay immediately with accurate 2026 calculations.

How to Calculate Your Virginia Salary After Taxes for 2026

Using our Virginia paycheck calculator for 2026 is straightforward, even with Virginia's progressive tax system. Follow these steps to determine your Virginia salary after taxes using the latest 2026 tax rates:

1. Enter your income: Select salary or hourly pay and enter your gross income. For example, if you earn $92,000 per year or $46 per hour in Virginia for 2026, enter that amount.
2. Select Virginia: Choose Virginia as your state (using ?state=VA in the URL fills it in automatically). This ensures the progressive tax rates for 2026 are applied correctly based on your income level.
3. Add your details: Pick your pay frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly) and filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), then add any 401(k), HSA, or health insurance deductions.
4. Get your results: Click "Calculate My Paycheck" and review the detailed breakdown showing your Virginia salary after taxes for 2026, including federal income tax, Virginia state tax (progressive rates with top rate of 5.75%), FICA taxes, and your final take-home pay.

The Virginia paycheck calculator for 2026 is especially useful for comparing job offers, planning your budget in Richmond, Virginia Beach, or Northern Virginia (DC metro area), or understanding how pre-tax deductions affect your Virginia salary after taxes. Virginia's progressive tax means state tax calculations vary based on income level, with lower earners paying lower effective rates but higher earners facing the 5.75% top rate on significant portions of income.

Understanding Virginia's Progressive Tax System for 2026

Virginia uses a progressive income tax system in 2026, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. The tax brackets range from 2% for lower-income earners up to 5.75% for the highest earners—a relatively moderate top rate compared to other progressive tax states. This system is designed to be more equitable than flat taxes, as lower-income workers pay a smaller percentage of their income in state taxes, while higher earners contribute more proportionally. Virginia's top rate of 5.75% is relatively moderate compared to other progressive tax states, which helps Virginia remain competitive in the region.

The progressive structure means that someone earning $40,000 might pay an effective rate of around 2-3% on their Virginia taxes, while someone earning $140,000 might pay an effective rate closer to 4.5-5%. The first portion of income is taxed at 2%, with higher brackets applying only to income above those thresholds. Virginia has its own standard deduction ($8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for married couples filing jointly in 2026), which is lower than the federal standard deduction, meaning more income is subject to Virginia state tax.

This progressive system makes Virginia more favorable for lower and middle-income earners compared to flat tax states with high rates, while higher earners pay more than they would in flat tax states but still face a relatively moderate top rate of 5.75% compared to other progressive tax states. The system is designed to be fair and provide revenue for essential state services while maintaining reasonable tax burdens across income levels, and Virginia's moderate top rate helps attract and retain workers in the competitive DC metro area job market.

Virginia Local Taxes and Your Salary After Taxes

When calculating your Virginia salary after taxes for 2026, it's important to note that Virginia does not allow local income taxes at the city or county level. Unlike states like Pennsylvania or Ohio, Virginia only collects the progressive state tax and federal taxes, which simplifies your Virginia paycheck calculation significantly.

However, Virginia does have property taxes and sales taxes (5.3% state rate plus local rates up to 0.7%). While these don't directly affect your paycheck, they're important to consider when evaluating the total cost of living in Virginia, especially in high-cost areas like Northern Virginia where property taxes and cost of living can be significantly higher than other parts of the state. Your Virginia paycheck calculator results for 2026 will show your take-home pay after federal income tax, Virginia's progressive state tax, and FICA taxes only.

This makes Virginia's tax system straightforward for paycheck calculations, though the progressive rates mean state taxes vary based on income level, with higher earners facing the 5.75% top rate on significant portions of income. Virginia's combination of progressive tax (moderately favorable for lower earners), no local income taxes, moderate top rate (5.75%), and generally moderate cost of living (except in Northern Virginia) means take-home pay can vary based on income level, but Virginia remains competitive for workers in the region.

Example: Virginia Salary After Taxes Calculation for 2026

Let's calculate the Virginia salary after taxes for someone earning $95,000 per year in Virginia for 2026, filing as married filing jointly, with a 5% 401(k) contribution:

• Gross annual salary: $95,000
• 401(k) contribution (5%): $4,750 (pre-tax)
• Federal taxable income: ~$62,450 (after federal standard deduction)
• Virginia taxable income: ~$74,250 (after Virginia standard deduction)
• Federal income tax: ~$7,200
• FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare): $7,267
• Virginia state tax (progressive, top rate 5.75%): ~$4,800
• Virginia salary after taxes (annual): $70,983
• Bi-weekly Virginia paycheck: ~$2,730

This example demonstrates how the Virginia paycheck calculator for 2026 works with progressive tax rates. The effective Virginia tax rate in this example is approximately 5.1%, which is lower than the top marginal rate of 5.75% because the first portions of income are taxed at lower rates. Virginia's rates are relatively moderate overall compared to other progressive tax states, resulting in reasonable state taxes. The 401(k) contribution reduces both federal and Virginia taxable income, providing tax savings while building retirement savings, and with Virginia's progressive rates, pre-tax contributions are valuable for reducing the tax burden.

Multiple Salary Examples: Virginia Take-Home Pay for 2026

Understanding how different salary levels affect your Virginia take-home pay for 2026 helps with financial planning:

Entry-Level ($57,000 salary, single filer, 3% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($1,710), federal taxes (~$4,400), FICA (~$4,361), and Virginia state tax (~$2,800), annual take-home pay is approximately $43,729, or $1,682 per bi-weekly paycheck. Lower earners benefit from the progressive system's 2% initial rates.

Mid-Career ($85,000 salary, married filing jointly, 5% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($4,250), federal taxes (~$6,500), FICA (~$6,503), and Virginia state tax (~$4,000), annual take-home pay is approximately $63,747, or $2,452 per bi-weekly paycheck.

Senior Level ($114,000 salary, married filing jointly, 7% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($7,980), federal taxes (~$12,500), FICA (~$8,121), and Virginia state tax (~$5,500), annual take-home pay is approximately $79,899, or $3,073 per bi-weekly paycheck.

High Earner ($149,000 salary, single filer, 10% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($14,900), federal taxes (~$25,000), FICA (~$10,259), and Virginia state tax (~$6,500), annual take-home pay is approximately $92,341, or $3,551 per bi-weekly paycheck. Higher earners face Virginia's 5.75% top rate on significant portions of income.

Comparing Virginia to Neighboring States for 2026

Understanding how Virginia compares to nearby states helps when evaluating job offers or considering relocation in 2026:

Virginia vs. Maryland: Maryland has progressive tax rates up to 5.75% plus local taxes. Someone earning $96,000 in Virginia takes home approximately $71,000, compared to about $69,000-$69,500 in Maryland (with local tax)—a difference of $1,500-$2,000 per year, making Virginia more favorable.

Virginia vs. North Carolina: North Carolina has a flat 4.75% state income tax. Someone earning $96,000 in Virginia takes home approximately $71,000, compared to about $71,200-$71,700 in North Carolina—a difference of $200-$700 per year, making them very competitive.

Virginia vs. West Virginia: West Virginia has progressive tax rates up to 6.5%. Someone earning $96,000 in Virginia takes home approximately $71,000, compared to about $70,000-$70,500 in West Virginia—a difference of $500-$1,000 per year, making Virginia slightly more favorable.

Virginia vs. Tennessee: Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. Someone earning $96,000 in Virginia takes home approximately $71,000, compared to about $75,000-$75,500 in Tennessee—a difference of $4,000-$4,500 per year, making Tennessee significantly more favorable.

Virginia vs. Washington D.C.: Washington D.C. has progressive tax rates up to 8.75%. Someone earning $96,000 in Virginia takes home approximately $71,000, compared to about $68,500-$69,000 in D.C.—a difference of $2,000-$2,500 per year, making Virginia more favorable.

Virginia-Specific Industries and 2026 Considerations

Virginia's economy is diverse, with several major industries that are impacted by the progressive tax system:

Federal Government: Virginia has a significant federal government presence, particularly in Northern Virginia near Washington D.C. Federal workers and contractors can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to plan their finances and understand how Virginia's progressive rates affect their take-home pay, especially when comparing to neighboring states like Maryland or D.C.

Technology: Virginia has a significant technology sector, particularly in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area. Tech workers can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to compare job offers and understand how Virginia's moderate top rate (5.75%) affects their take-home pay.

Healthcare: Virginia's healthcare sector, including major hospitals in Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Northern Virginia, provides employment opportunities. Healthcare workers at all income levels can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to plan their finances and understand how Virginia's progressive rates affect their take-home pay.

Defense/Military: Virginia has a significant defense and military presence, particularly in the Hampton Roads area. Defense workers can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to plan their finances and understand the impact of Virginia's progressive rates.

Education: Virginia's education sector, including major universities like the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, provides employment opportunities. Education workers can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to plan their finances and compare job offers.

2026 Planning Tips for Virginia Employees

• Update your W-4 for 2026: If you want to adjust your Virginia salary after taxes, update your W-4 if you picked up a second job, got married, or expect significant itemized deductions in 2026. Virginia uses federal withholding, so your W-4 directly affects your state withholding as well.
• Maximize pre-tax benefits: Leverage pre-tax benefits—every dollar you contribute to a 401(k) or HSA reduces both federal and Virginia taxable income, potentially moving you into a lower tax bracket and increasing your take-home pay. With Virginia's progressive rates (especially the 5.75% top rate), reducing taxable income can provide significant savings, particularly for higher earners.
• Track Social Security wage base: Track your year-to-date taxable wages. Once you hit the Social Security wage base ($168,600 in 2025, adjusted for inflation in 2026), your Virginia salary after taxes will increase because OASDI withholding stops for the rest of the year.
• Consider cost of living: Remember that Virginia's progressive tax is relatively moderate (top rate of 5.75%), but the cost of living in Northern Virginia (near DC) can be very high, which is important to factor into your overall financial planning for 2026. Housing costs in Northern Virginia are typically 30-40% above the national average, though other parts of Virginia are more affordable.
• Plan for seasonal or variable income: If you work in tourism, agriculture, or other seasonal industries, use the 2026 paycheck calculator throughout the year to adjust your budget and tax planning as your income changes. The progressive system benefits workers with variable income by taxing initial income at lower rates (starting at 2%).
• Research location-specific costs: Cost of living varies significantly between Northern Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and smaller Virginia communities. Research housing, utilities, and transportation costs in your specific Virginia location when evaluating job offers for 2026, as Northern Virginia's cost of living is significantly higher than other Virginia areas.
• Understand bracket thresholds: With Virginia's progressive tax system, understanding where tax brackets change can help you make informed decisions about income timing, bonuses, or retirement contributions for 2026 tax planning, potentially saving hundreds of dollars by staying in lower brackets.
• Consider neighboring states: Given Virginia's moderate tax rates (especially compared to Maryland or D.C.), Virginia can be attractive for workers in the DC metro area. However, cost of living and job opportunities vary, so compare overall compensation when evaluating job offers for 2026.

Virginia Tax Changes and Updates for 2026

Virginia uses a progressive income tax system with rates from 2% to 5.75% in 2026. The tax brackets apply to different portions of your taxable income, so your effective rate is lower than your top marginal rate. Virginia has its own standard deduction ($8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for married couples filing jointly in 2026), which is lower than the federal standard deduction, meaning more income is subject to Virginia state tax.

When using the Virginia paycheck calculator for 2026, all calculations reflect these latest changes, ensuring accuracy for your 2026 financial planning. Virginia's progressive tax system is designed to be fair and equitable, with lower rates for lower earners (starting at 2%) and higher rates for higher earners. Virginia's top rate of 5.75% is relatively moderate compared to other progressive tax states, which helps Virginia remain competitive in the region. The system continues to evolve, so staying informed about tax changes is important for long-term financial planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Salary After Taxes for 2026