What Changes in Your Paycheck in Delaware
Your paycheck in Delaware shows a Delaware state income tax line item that grows progressively with income, starting at 0% for the first $1. For a $1 salary, you might see ~ $1-$1 annually (~ $1-$1 per biweekly paycheck) for state tax, reflecting the progressive brackets with effective rates around 5.5%-6%. Delaware paychecks only show state and federal tax deductions—no local income tax line items. The progressive brackets mean your state tax increases as you move through brackets, with higher earners reaching the 6.6% top rate. The lack of sales tax means you won't pay state sales tax on purchases, but your income tax may be higher than in some other states.
Example State Tax in Delaware
What you'll pay in Delaware state income tax at different salary levels (single filer, no deductions):
| Gross Salary | State Tax (Year) | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,389 | 4.8% |
| $75,000 | $3,934 | 5.2% |
| $100,000 | $5,584 | 5.6% |
| $150,000 | $8,884 | 5.9% |
Use the calculator above to see your exact take-home pay with your filing status and deductions.
Key Facts That Affect Your Take-Home Pay
- Delaware uses a progressive income tax system with seven brackets, starting at 0% for the first $1 of income (for all filing statuses) and escalating to a top rate of 6.6% for income above $1, making Delaware's top rate moderate compared to high-tax progressive states but still higher than flat-tax states.
- Delaware's progressive brackets are relatively spread out at the bottom with a zero-percent bracket for the first $1, but then quickly escalate through multiple brackets. For a $1 earner, income is taxed across brackets creating an effective rate around 5.5%-6%, not the top 6.6% rate.
- Delaware does not charge income tax at city or county levels, so your withholding doesn't differ based on work location. All Delaware residents have the same income tax structure—only the state progressive brackets apply.
Is Delaware Better for You?
Delaware works well for:
Delaware works best for big spenders and lower-income earners (under ~ $1 for singles, $1 for couples) who benefit from the zero-percent bracket on the first $1 of income and progressive brackets with moderate rates. At these income levels, effective state tax rates are 3%-5%, which can be competitive. The lack of sales tax benefits anyone who spends heavily on goods and services. Retirees 60+ also benefit from exemptions on Social Security and most retirement income, plus the zero-percent bracket helps retirees with lower fixed incomes.
Delaware may not be ideal if:
Delaware is challenging for high earners (~ $1+ for singles, $1+ for couples) because they quickly reach the top 6.6% rate. Someone earning $1 in Delaware pays an effective rate around 5.5%-6% (~ $1-$1 annually), while the same earner in a flat-tax state like Pennsylvania would pay $1 (3.07% flat, though PA may have local EIT), and in North Carolina would pay $1 (4.75% flat). High earners who don't spend heavily might pay more in Delaware's income tax than they'd save from the lack of sales tax. If you're a high earner with modest spending, flat-tax or zero-tax states may be more favorable.
Common Mistakes People Make
Misconception: 'Progressive tax means I'll pay the top 6.6% on all my income in Delaware.' Reality: Delaware's progressive system starts at 0% for the first $1 of income, and most middle-income earners pay effective rates around 5%-6%, not 6.6%. The 6.6% rate only applies to income above $1. Someone earning $1 pays an effective rate around 5.5%-6% (~ $1-$1 annually), while the same earner in a flat-tax state like Pennsylvania would pay $1 (3.07% flat, though PA may have local EIT).
Misconception: 'Delaware has no sales tax, so I'll save money overall.' Reality: While Delaware has no sales tax (a significant advantage for spenders), the state relies heavily on income tax and property taxes to compensate. A high earner in Delaware pays up to 6.6% income tax, which could be higher than what they'd pay in a flat-tax state like Pennsylvania (3.07% flat). Additionally, Delaware property taxes can be significant. The lack of sales tax benefits big spenders, but high earners may still pay more in income tax than in lower-tax states.
Misconception: 'Delaware's tax structure is the same as other states with no sales tax.' Reality: Delaware is one of only five states with no sales tax (along with Alaska, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon). This creates a unique revenue model where Delaware relies more heavily on income tax and property taxes. Unlike zero-income-tax states like Texas or Florida that rely on sales/property taxes, Delaware taxes income progressively (up to 6.6%) while exempting sales transactions from taxation.
One Thing to Know
Delaware is one of only five states with no sales tax, which benefits big spenders, but the state compensates with higher income tax rates. Many people moving to Delaware for the 'no sales tax' benefit are surprised to find their income tax burden is actually higher than in some sales-tax states.
Important Notes
These calculations are estimates based on current tax law. Your actual take-home pay varies based on:
- Pre-tax deductions (401(k), health insurance, HSA, etc.)
- Your W-4 withholding elections
- Additional income or deductions at tax time
- Individual circumstances and tax situations
Tax rates are subject to change. Federal and state tax laws may be updated annually. This is not tax advice. For personalized help, consult a tax professional familiar with Delaware tax laws.