Washington charges no state income tax on wages. Here is what that means for your paycheck, plus how it compares nationally.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: state revenue departments, IRS, BLS
Washington is one of nine U.S. states with no state income tax on wages. There are no income tax brackets to report. Washington has no state income tax on wages or salaries. However, the state enacted a 7% tax on long-term capital gains exceeding $270,000 in 2022 (upheld by the state Supreme Court). Washington has one of the highest sales tax rates in the nation.
No state income tax is withheld from Washington paychecks. Workers keep more of every dollar than residents of states that tax income.
The nine states with no income tax on wages are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Because Washington has no state income tax, there is no state standard deduction to apply. You still claim the federal standard deduction on your federal return: $15,000 (single) or $30,000 (married filing jointly) for 2026.
| Benchmark | Top Marginal Rate |
|---|---|
| Washington (2026) | 0% |
| National average - all 50 states | 4.86% |
| National average - 41 states with an income tax | 5.93% |
| Highest in the U.S. (California) | 13.3% |
| Lowest among states that tax income | 2.5% |
| States with no income tax | 0% (9 states) |
Washington levies no income tax, placing it among the nine lowest-tax states in the nation for wage earners.
Washington has no income tax but imposes a 7% capital gains tax on gains above $270,000. The state has a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts. Combined state and local sales tax can exceed 10% in some areas.
| Washington Tax Snapshot | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Top Income Tax Rate (2026) | 0% |
| Income Tax Structure | None |
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% |
| Minimum Wage | $16.66/hour |
| Median Household Income | $90,000 |
| Tax Agency | Washington State Department of Revenue |
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No. Washington is one of nine states with no state income tax on wages and salaries for 2026. Washington has no state income tax on wages or salaries. However, the state enacted a 7% tax on long-term capital gains exceeding $270,000 in 2022 (upheld by the state Supreme Court). Washington has one of the highest sales tax rates in the nation.
Washington has no income tax but imposes a 7% capital gains tax on gains above $270,000. The state has a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts. Combined state and local sales tax can exceed 10% in some areas.
Yes. Residents of Washington still owe federal income tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) to the IRS. Only the state-level income tax is zero.
There is no state standard deduction because there is no state income tax. On your federal return you can still claim the 2026 federal standard deduction of $15,000 (single) or $30,000 (married filing jointly).
Washington is often considered tax-friendly because wage and salary income is not taxed at the state level. Consider sales tax, property tax, and cost of living for the full picture.
While the national average top income tax rate is 4.86% across all 50 states, Washington charges 0%. Only eight other states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming) also levy no wage income tax.