Wisconsin Tax Brackets
How to read this: Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. Your total tax is the sum across brackets.
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $15,110 | 3.50% |
| $15,110 - $51,950 | 4.40% |
| $51,950 - $332,720 | 5.30% |
| $332,720+ | 7.65% |
Brackets shown for single filers. Married filing jointly brackets may differ. Use the calculator above to see your specific situation.
Key Facts That Affect Your Take-Home Pay
- Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax system with four brackets, starting at 3.54% for the first $13,810 of income (single) or $18,420 (married) and escalating to a top rate of 7.65% for income above $304,170 (single) or $405,530 (married), making Wisconsin's bracket structure relatively simple but with high rates across all brackets.
- Wisconsin's progressive brackets are relatively spread out at the bottom, meaning middle-income earners stay in the lower 3.54%-6.27% brackets longer, while only very high earners reach the top 7.65% rate. For a $100,000 earner, most income is taxed at 3.54%-6.27%, creating an effective rate around 5%-6%, not the top 7.65% rate.
- Wisconsin does not levy income taxes at the city or county level, ensuring consistent income tax structure throughout the state. All Wisconsin residents have the same income tax structure: only the state progressive brackets apply.
- Wisconsin does not tax Social Security or retirement income (pensions, 401(k) withdrawals, IRA distributions) for residents, making the state attractive for retirees despite the progressive income tax structure. However, property taxes in Wisconsin can be significant, especially in certain areas, offsetting some retirement benefits.
What People Get Wrong
“Progressive tax means I'll pay the top 7.65% on all my income in Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin's progressive system starts at 3.54% for the first $13,810-$18,420 of income (depending on filing status), and most middle-income earners pay effective rates around 5%-6%, not 7.65%. The 7.65% rate only applies to income above $304,170 (single) or $405,530 (married). Someone earning $100,000 pays an effective rate around 5%-6% (~ $5,000-$6,000 annually).
“Wisconsin has low taxes because it's a Midwestern state.”
Wisconsin's income tax starts at 3.54% (moderate starting rate) and tops out at 7.65%, which is among the higher rates in the nation. A $100,000 earner pays an effective rate around 5%-6%, while the same earner in a flat-tax state like Pennsylvania would pay $3,070 (3.07% flat, though PA may have local EIT). Wisconsin's progressive brackets and relatively high rates mean most earners pay more than in lower-tax states.
“The four brackets mean my tax is simple like flat-tax states.”
While Wisconsin has only four brackets (simpler than states with many brackets), the brackets are progressive with rates ranging from 3.54% to 7.65%. Unlike flat-tax states where everyone pays the same percentage, Wisconsin's progressive system means higher earners pay significantly higher effective rates The brackets are spread out, meaning most taxpayers don't quickly jump to the top rate like in compressed bracket states.
