This Tennessee paycheck calculator estimates your 2026 take-home pay. Tennessee does not tax wages, so your paycheck is reduced only by federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and any pre-tax benefits you choose.
Taxes on a Tennessee paycheck
- No state income tax on wages. Tennessee also fully repealed its Hall tax on interest and dividends from 2021, so it has no personal income tax at all.
- No local income tax in Tennessee cities or counties.
- Federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare still apply.
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 Tennessee takes home about $2,191.50 per paycheck, or $56,979 a year.
Where Tennessee collects its taxes
Tennessee relies heavily on sales tax. The state rate is 7% and local rates add up to 2.75%, so many areas have a combined rate of 9.25% to 9.75%, among the highest in the US. Groceries are taxed at a lower state rate of 4%.
How to raise your take-home pay
- Check your federal Form W-4 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
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
No. Tennessee does not tax wages, and since 2021 it no longer taxes investment income either.
What comes out of a Tennessee paycheck?
Federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%) and any deductions you choose, such as 401(k) and health insurance.
Why is the Tennessee sales tax so high?
Without an income tax, the state and local governments rely more on sales tax, with combined rates up to 9.75%.
How do I change my withholding?
Give your employer a new federal Form W-4. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help you choose the right entries.
Related calculators
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Revenue: Sales and use tax
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (2026 federal brackets)
Last reviewed: October 2026. For information only; not financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates.