This Georgia paycheck calculator estimates your 2026 take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and Georgia income tax. It uses the changes in House Bill 463, signed in May 2026, which cut the rate to 4.99% and raised the standard deduction, retroactive to 1 January 2026.
Georgia income tax in 2026
| Item | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax rate | 5.19% | 4.99% |
| Standard deduction – single | $12,000 | $15,000 |
| Standard deduction – married filing jointly | $24,000 | $30,000 |
| Dependent exemption | $4,000 | $5,000 |
Because the cut was passed partway through the year, withholding in early 2026 used the old rate, so many Georgia workers may get a larger refund when they file.
2026 federal taxes on every paycheck
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 | $24,801 – $100,800 | $17,701 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 | $100,801 – $211,400 | $67,451 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 | $211,401 – $403,550 | $105,701 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 | $403,551 – $512,450 | $201,751 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 | $512,451 – $768,700 | $256,201 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
The 2026 federal standard deduction is $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly and $24,150 head of household. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to $184,500, and Medicare is 1.45% of all wages plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000.
Worked example
A single employee earning $75,000, paid every two weeks, with 5% going to a 401(k) and $2,400 a year in pre-tax health premiums in Georgia takes home about $2,088.15 per paycheck, or $54,292 a year.
Local taxes in Georgia
Georgia cities and counties do not tax wages. Local governments rely on sales and property taxes instead, and combined sales tax in most areas is between 7% and 8.9%.
How to raise your take-home pay
- Check your federal Form W-4 and Georgia withholding form so you are not over-withheld.
- Use pre-tax benefits such as a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account.
- Remember that 401(k) contributions lower your paycheck today but also lower your taxable income.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Georgia income tax rate for 2026?
4.99%, after House Bill 463 lowered it from 5.19%, retroactive to 1 January 2026.
What is the Georgia standard deduction for 2026?
$15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married couples filing jointly, plus $5,000 for each dependent.
Will I get a bigger Georgia refund for 2026?
Possibly. Withholding earlier in the year used the old, higher rate, so you may have paid more than you owe.
How do I change my withholding?
Give your employer a new federal Form W-4 and, if needed, a new Georgia withholding certificate. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help you choose the right entries.
Related calculators
Sources
- Paylocity: Georgia reduces income tax rates for 2026 (HB 463)
- Georgia Department of Revenue
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (2026 federal brackets)
Last reviewed: October 2026. For information only; not financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates.