States With No Income Tax: 2026 Take-Home Pay Comparison

Nine states don't tax wages — but 'no income tax' doesn't always mean more in your pocket.

By Colson, Founder, ColsonSuperApps LLC · 6 min read

Nine US states don't tax wage income. If you live in one, your paycheck only has federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare withheld — there's no state tax line at all.

The nine states with no income tax (2026)

New Hampshire historically taxed interest and dividends, but that tax was repealed — wages are untaxed. Washington has no wage income tax but levies a separate tax on certain long-term capital gains.

"No income tax" doesn't always mean more in your pocket

States still need revenue, so no-income-tax states often have higher sales taxes, property taxes, or other fees. And because federal tax and FICA are the same everywhere, the state line is only part of the picture. A $90,000 job in Texas and an $98,000 job in a low-tax state can leave you with similar take-home once you account for the higher salary.

Compare your own scenario

The honest way to compare is to run the same salary in each state. Try Texas (no income tax) against California or New York in the paycheck calculator, or browse every state's calculator. The take-home difference is usually smaller than people expect once federal tax and FICA — the biggest deductions for most earners — are in the mix.

Try it with your numbers: the free paycheck calculator shows your exact take-home after federal, state, and FICA taxes — instantly, in your browser.

Educational only — not tax, legal, or financial advice.