Georgia Take Home Pay Calculator 2026 - GA Paycheck & Salary Calculator
Calculate your exact Georgia take-home pay for 2026 with this free, comprehensive paycheck calculator that accurately estimates your net salary after federal income tax, Georgia's 5.19% flat state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and all applicable deductions. Whether you're evaluating a job offer in Atlanta, planning your budget in Savannah, or negotiating salary in Augusta, this calculator provides precise after-tax income projections based on official Georgia Department of Revenue tax rates and IRS 2026 federal tax brackets.
Enter Your Georgia Income Details
📋 Filing Status & Deductions
💰 Pre-Tax Deductions (Optional)
📌 Post-Tax Deductions (Optional)
Your Georgia Take-Home Pay
Income Breakdown
Federal Tax Withholding
Georgia State Tax Withholding
Pre-Tax Deductions
Post-Tax Deductions
Final Take-Home Pay Summary
Understanding Georgia Take-Home Pay in 2026
Take-home pay, also called net pay, represents the actual amount deposited into your bank account after all taxes and deductions are withheld from your gross wages. For Georgia residents working in 2026, calculating accurate take-home pay requires understanding federal income tax withholding, Georgia's 5.19% flat state income tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and any voluntary deductions for retirement accounts, health insurance, or other benefits. The difference between gross pay and net pay typically ranges from 20-35% depending on income level, filing status, and benefit selections.
2026 Georgia State Income Tax Rate
Georgia implemented a simplified flat income tax structure effective January 1, 2024, replacing the previous six-bracket progressive system. For 2026, Georgia maintains a flat income tax rate of 5.19% on taxable income for all residents regardless of income level. This rate decreased from 5.39% on July 1, 2025, and will continue decreasing by 0.10% annually until reaching a final rate of 4.99% by January 1, 2027, as established by House Bill 1437 passed by the Georgia General Assembly.
The Georgia flat tax calculation applies uniformly across all income levels:
\( \text{GA Taxable Income} = \text{Gross Income} - \text{Standard Deduction} - \text{Dependent Exemptions} \)
\( \text{GA Income Tax} = \text{GA Taxable Income} \times 0.0519 \)
For 2026, Georgia standard deductions are:
- Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Separately: $12,000
- Married Filing Jointly: $24,000
- Dependent Exemption: $3,000 per qualifying dependent
For example, a single Georgia taxpayer earning $60,000 annually with no dependents calculates Georgia state tax as:
\( \text{GA Income Tax} = \$48,000 \times 0.0519 = \$2,491.20 \text{ annually} \)
\( \text{Per Paycheck (bi-weekly)} = \frac{\$2,491.20}{26} = \$95.82 \)
A married couple filing jointly with $100,000 combined income and 2 dependents:
\( \text{GA Income Tax} = \$70,000 \times 0.0519 = \$3,633 \text{ annually} \)
\( \text{Per Paycheck (bi-weekly)} = \frac{\$3,633}{26} = \$139.73 \)
2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets
Federal income tax operates on a progressive marginal tax bracket system where different portions of income are taxed at progressively higher rates as income increases. The IRS adjusts federal tax brackets annually for inflation. For tax year 2026 (returns filed in 2027), the seven federal income tax brackets are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%.
The 2026 federal tax brackets for single filers are:
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income Range (Single) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $11,925 |
| 12% | $11,926 to $48,475 |
| 22% | $48,476 to $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,351 to $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,301 to $250,525 |
| 35% | $250,526 to $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 |
The 2026 federal tax brackets for married filing jointly are:
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income Range (Married Filing Jointly) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $23,850 |
| 12% | $23,851 to $96,950 |
| 22% | $96,951 to $206,700 |
| 24% | $206,701 to $394,600 |
| 32% | $394,601 to $501,050 |
| 35% | $501,051 to $768,700 |
| 37% | Over $768,700 |
Federal Standard Deduction for 2026
The IRS increased the standard deduction for 2026 to account for inflation:
- Single: $16,100 (up from $15,750 in 2025)
- Married Filing Jointly: $32,200 (up from $31,500 in 2025)
- Head of Household: $24,150 (up from $23,700 in 2025)
- Married Filing Separately: $16,100 (up from $15,750 in 2025)
Federal Income Tax Calculation Example
For a single Georgia taxpayer earning $75,000 annually:
\( \text{Gross Income} = \$75,000 \)
\( \text{Standard Deduction} = \$16,100 \)
\( \text{Taxable Income} = \$75,000 - \$16,100 = \$58,900 \)
Progressive Tax Calculation:
\( \text{10\% bracket:} \quad \$11,925 \times 0.10 = \$1,192.50 \)
\( \text{12\% bracket:} \quad (\$48,475 - \$11,925) \times 0.12 = \$4,386.00 \)
\( \text{22\% bracket:} \quad (\$58,900 - \$48,475) \times 0.22 = \$2,293.50 \)
\( \text{Total Federal Tax} = \$1,192.50 + \$4,386.00 + \$2,293.50 = \$7,872.00 \)
This produces an effective federal tax rate of 10.5% despite the highest marginal rate of 22%, demonstrating how progressive taxation works with only the last portion of income taxed at the highest bracket.
FICA Taxes for 2026
Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs. All employees and employers pay FICA taxes on wages, with rates remaining constant for 2026 but with adjusted wage base limits for Social Security.
Social Security Tax (OASDI)
Social Security tax, officially called Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), applies at a rate of 6.2% for employees and 6.2% for employers (12.4% total for self-employed individuals). For 2026, Social Security tax applies only to the first $184,500 of wages earned, representing an increase from the $176,100 wage base limit in 2025.
\( \text{SS Tax} = \min(\text{Annual Wages}, \$184,500) \times 0.062 \)
\( \text{Maximum SS Tax 2026} = \$184,500 \times 0.062 = \$11,439 \)
For employees earning above $184,500, Social Security tax withholding stops once the wage base limit is reached, resulting in increased take-home pay for the remainder of the year. An employee earning $200,000 annually pays the maximum $11,439 in Social Security tax, while someone earning $50,000 pays $3,100.
Medicare Tax
Medicare tax applies at 1.45% for employees and 1.45% for employers (2.9% for self-employed) on all wages with no income cap. Unlike Social Security, Medicare tax continues regardless of total annual earnings.
\( \text{Medicare Tax} = \text{All Wages} \times 0.0145 \)
Additional Medicare Tax
The Affordable Care Act introduced an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on wages exceeding certain thresholds, with no employer match for this additional tax. For 2026, the thresholds are:
- Single: $200,000
- Married Filing Jointly: $250,000
- Married Filing Separately: $125,000
\( \text{Add. Medicare} = \max(0, \text{Wages} - \text{Threshold}) \times 0.009 \)
For example, a single filer earning $225,000 annually pays:
\( \text{Additional Medicare:} \quad (\$225,000 - \$200,000) \times 0.009 = \$225.00 \)
\( \text{Total Medicare Tax} = \$3,262.50 + \$225.00 = \$3,487.50 \)
Pre-Tax Deductions and Their Impact
Pre-tax deductions reduce taxable income before income taxes are calculated, providing immediate tax savings by lowering both federal and Georgia state income tax liabilities. Common pre-tax deductions include retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and medical savings accounts.
401(k) and 403(b) Retirement Contributions
Traditional 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plan contributions are pre-tax, reducing current taxable income while deferring taxation until retirement withdrawals. For 2026, the IRS contribution limits are:
- Employee Contribution Limit: $23,500
- Catch-Up Contribution (Age 50+): Additional $7,500 (total $31,000)
- Total Combined Limit: $70,000 (employee + employer contributions)
The tax savings from 401(k) contributions compound through immediate tax reduction plus tax-deferred growth:
\( \text{Gross Pay} = \$80,000 \)
\( \text{401(k) Contribution (6\%)} = \$80,000 \times 0.06 = \$4,800 \)
\( \text{Taxable Income} = \$80,000 - \$4,800 = \$75,200 \)
\( \text{Tax Savings (22\% federal + 5.19\% GA)} = \$4,800 \times 0.2719 = \$1,305.12 \)
This employee effectively contributes $4,800 to retirement at a net cost of only $3,494.88 due to tax savings, demonstrating the powerful advantage of pre-tax retirement contributions.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
HSAs provide triple tax advantages for those enrolled in High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs): pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. The 2026 HSA contribution limits are:
- Individual Coverage: $4,300 (up from $4,150 in 2025)
- Family Coverage: $8,550 (up from $8,300 in 2025)
- Catch-Up Contribution (Age 55+): Additional $1,000
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Healthcare FSAs allow pre-tax contributions for anticipated medical expenses during the plan year. For 2026, the FSA contribution limit is $3,300 (up from $3,200 in 2025). Unlike HSAs, FSA funds typically must be used within the plan year or grace period, subject to employer plan rules.
Calculating Georgia Take-Home Pay: Complete Example
To illustrate comprehensive take-home pay calculation, consider a Georgia resident with the following profile:
- Annual Salary: $90,000
- Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly
- Dependents: 2 children
- Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly (26 pay periods)
- 401(k) Contribution: 8% ($7,200 annually)
- Health Insurance: $150 per paycheck ($3,900 annually)
- HSA Contribution: $100 per paycheck ($2,600 annually)
\( \text{Annual Salary} = \$90,000 \)
\( \text{Gross Per Paycheck} = \frac{\$90,000}{26} = \$3,461.54 \)
\( \text{401(k):} \quad \$3,461.54 \times 0.08 = \$276.92 \)
\( \text{Health Insurance:} \quad \$150.00 \)
\( \text{HSA:} \quad \$100.00 \)
\( \text{Total Pre-Tax} = \$276.92 + \$150.00 + \$100.00 = \$526.92 \)
\( \text{Taxable Income Per Paycheck} = \$3,461.54 - \$526.92 = \$2,934.62 \)
\( \text{Annual Taxable Income} = \$2,934.62 \times 26 = \$76,300.12 \)
\( \text{Annual Taxable} = \$76,300.12 \)
\( \text{Federal Standard Deduction (MFJ)} = \$32,200 \)
\( \text{Federal Taxable Income} = \$76,300.12 - \$32,200 = \$44,100.12 \)
\( \text{10\% on first \$23,850:} \quad \$23,850 \times 0.10 = \$2,385.00 \)
\( \text{12\% on remaining:} \quad (\$44,100.12 - \$23,850) \times 0.12 = \$2,430.01 \)
\( \text{Total Federal Tax} = \$2,385.00 + \$2,430.01 = \$4,815.01 \text{ annually} \)
\( \text{Per Paycheck} = \frac{\$4,815.01}{26} = \$185.19 \)
\( \text{Social Security (6.2\%):} \quad \$2,934.62 \times 0.062 = \$181.95 \)
\( \text{Medicare (1.45\%):} \quad \$2,934.62 \times 0.0145 = \$42.55 \)
\( \text{Total FICA Per Paycheck} = \$181.95 + \$42.55 = \$224.50 \)
\( \text{Annual Income} = \$76,300.12 \)
\( \text{GA Standard Deduction (MFJ)} = \$24,000 \)
\( \text{Dependent Exemptions (2)} = \$3,000 \times 2 = \$6,000 \)
\( \text{GA Taxable Income} = \$76,300.12 - \$24,000 - \$6,000 = \$46,300.12 \)
\( \text{GA Tax (5.19\%)} = \$46,300.12 \times 0.0519 = \$2,402.98 \text{ annually} \)
\( \text{Per Paycheck} = \frac{\$2,402.98}{26} = \$92.42 \)
\( \text{Gross Pay} = \$3,461.54 \)
\( \text{Pre-Tax Deductions} = -\$526.92 \)
\( \text{Federal Tax} = -\$185.19 \)
\( \text{FICA} = -\$224.50 \)
\( \text{GA State Tax} = -\$92.42 \)
\( \text{Net Take-Home Pay} = \$2,432.51 \text{ per paycheck} \)
\( \text{Annual Net Pay} = \$2,432.51 \times 26 = \$63,245.26 \)
\( \text{Effective Tax Rate} = \frac{\$90,000 - \$63,245.26}{\$90,000} = 29.7\% \)
This comprehensive example demonstrates how various deductions and taxes combine to determine actual take-home pay, with the family taking home approximately 70.3% of gross salary after all deductions.
Georgia Payroll Tax Withholding Methods
Employers calculate federal income tax withholding using information from Form W-4 (Employee's Withholding Certificate) combined with IRS Publication 15-T withholding tables. The 2020 redesigned Form W-4 eliminated withholding allowances, instead using a five-step process including filing status, multiple jobs adjustments, dependent credits, other income, and additional withholding.
Georgia state tax withholding uses Form G-4 (Georgia Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate), which largely mirrors federal W-4 structure. Employers calculate Georgia withholding by:
- Determining annual Georgia taxable wages (gross pay minus pre-tax deductions)
- Applying Georgia standard deduction based on filing status
- Subtracting dependent exemptions ($3,000 each)
- Multiplying resulting taxable income by 5.19%
- Dividing annual tax by number of pay periods
Year-End Tax Reconciliation
Paycheck withholding represents estimated tax payments throughout the year. When filing Georgia state income tax returns (Form 500) and federal returns (Form 1040), taxpayers reconcile actual tax liability against withheld amounts, receiving refunds for overpayment or owing additional tax for underpayment.
Common reasons for refunds or additional tax owed include:
- Refunds typically result from: Excess withholding, tax credits (child tax credit, earned income credit, education credits), itemized deductions exceeding standard deduction, retirement contribution deductions, or mid-year job changes causing over-withholding
- Additional tax owed typically results from: Multiple jobs without proper withholding adjustment, investment income, self-employment income, insufficient withholding selections on Form W-4/G-4, or changes in filing status/dependents
Impact of Filing Status on Take-Home Pay
Filing status significantly affects both federal and Georgia tax calculations, with married filing jointly status typically providing the most favorable tax treatment through doubled standard deductions and wider tax brackets. Comparing filing statuses for a $75,000 income with no dependents:
| Filing Status | Federal Std. Deduction | GA Std. Deduction | Approx. Federal Tax | GA Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 | $12,000 | $8,589 | $3,270 |
| Head of Household | $24,150 | $12,000 | $7,156 | $3,270 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 | $24,000 | $5,617 | $2,647 |
A married couple with $75,000 combined income saves approximately $2,972 in federal tax and $623 in Georgia state tax compared to the same income filed as single, demonstrating the substantial tax benefits of married filing jointly status.
Self-Employment Tax for Georgia Independent Contractors
Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and independent contractors in Georgia pay self-employment tax in addition to income taxes, covering both employer and employee portions of FICA. The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net self-employment income.
\( \text{Net SE Income} = \text{Gross SE Income} - \text{Business Expenses} \)
\( \text{SE Tax Base} = \text{Net SE Income} \times 0.9235 \)
\( \text{SE Tax} = \text{SE Tax Base} \times 0.153 \)
For example, a Georgia freelancer with $80,000 net self-employment income:
\( \text{SE Tax} = \$73,880 \times 0.153 = \$11,303.64 \)
Self-employed individuals deduct one-half of self-employment tax ($5,651.82) when calculating adjusted gross income for federal and Georgia income tax purposes, partially offsetting the additional tax burden. Self-employed Georgians must make quarterly estimated tax payments using IRS Form 1040-ES and Georgia Form 500-ES to avoid underpayment penalties.
Georgia Local Taxes and Additional Considerations
Unlike some states, Georgia does not impose local or municipal income taxes, simplifying paycheck calculations for residents. Employees pay only federal income tax, FICA, and Georgia state income tax regardless of which Georgia city or county they live or work in. This contrasts with states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland where local income taxes can add 1-4% additional withholding.
However, Georgia residents should consider other location-dependent factors:
- Sales Tax: Georgia state sales tax is 4%, with local jurisdictions adding up to 5%, resulting in combined rates of 6-9% depending on location
- Property Tax: Georgia property taxes average 0.72% of home value annually but vary significantly by county
- Vehicle Registration: Georgia charges annual ad valorem tax (title tax) on vehicles based on value
Maximizing Georgia Take-Home Pay
Georgia employees can optimize take-home pay through strategic benefit elections and tax planning:
Maximize Pre-Tax Retirement Contributions: Contributing to traditional 401(k) or 403(b) plans reduces current taxable income for both federal and Georgia taxes while building retirement savings. Contributing the maximum $23,500 for 2026 saves approximately $6,383 in combined federal and Georgia taxes for someone in the 22% federal bracket.
Utilize Health Savings Accounts: HSA contributions for those with qualifying high-deductible health plans provide triple tax advantages. Maximum family contributions of $8,550 for 2026 reduce taxes by approximately $2,324 while building tax-free medical savings.
Review Withholding Annually: Life changes including marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant income changes warrant W-4 and G-4 updates. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps determine optimal withholding to avoid large refunds (interest-free loans to government) or unexpected tax bills.
Consider Dependent Care FSA: Employees with childcare expenses can contribute up to $5,000 pre-tax to Dependent Care FSAs (or $2,500 if married filing separately), reducing taxable income while covering qualifying childcare costs.
Claim All Eligible Tax Credits: Federal tax credits including child tax credit ($2,000 per qualifying child for 2026), earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit, and education credits reduce tax liability dollar-for-dollar, providing more value than deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia state income tax rate for 2026?
Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.19% for 2026, applying uniformly to all taxable income regardless of amount. This rate decreased from 5.39% on July 1, 2025, and will continue decreasing by 0.10% each year until reaching 4.99% by January 2027. Georgia standard deductions are $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married filing jointly, with an additional $3,000 exemption per dependent.
How much are FICA taxes in 2026?
FICA taxes for 2026 consist of Social Security tax at 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 (maximum $11,439) and Medicare tax at 1.45% on all wages with no cap. High earners also pay Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on wages exceeding $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married filing jointly. Combined employee FICA is 7.65% on wages up to $184,500, then 1.45% Medicare only above that threshold.
What is the average take-home pay percentage in Georgia?
Georgia employees typically take home 68-78% of gross salary depending on income level, filing status, and benefit elections. Someone earning $60,000 annually with standard withholding takes home approximately 73-75% after federal tax, FICA, and Georgia state tax. Higher earners face higher marginal rates reducing take-home percentage, while those with significant pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions increase net pay by reducing taxable income.
How does Georgia take-home pay compare to other states?
Georgia's 5.19% flat income tax rate positions the state in the middle range nationally. Georgia residents enjoy higher take-home pay than high-tax states like California (13.3% top rate), New York (10.9%), or Hawaii (11%), but lower take-home than no-income-tax states like Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Nevada, and Washington. Georgia's competitive tax rate combined with lower cost of living than many high-tax states makes it attractive for professionals and retirees.
Do Georgia residents pay local income taxes?
No, Georgia does not authorize local or municipal income taxes. All Georgia residents pay only federal income tax, FICA, and Georgia state income tax on wages regardless of which city or county they live or work in. This simplifies tax calculation compared to states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Kentucky where local income taxes can add 1-4% additional withholding depending on jurisdiction.
What are the 2026 federal tax brackets?
The 2026 federal tax brackets are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% with inflation-adjusted income thresholds. For single filers, the 10% bracket covers $0-$11,925, 12% covers $11,926-$48,475, and 22% covers $48,476-$103,350. The 37% top rate applies to income over $640,600 for single filers and $768,700 for married filing jointly. The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filing jointly.
How much should I contribute to 401(k) to maximize take-home pay?
Contributing to traditional 401(k) plans reduces current taxes while building retirement savings. For someone in the 22% federal tax bracket in Georgia, each $1,000 contributed saves approximately $272 in combined taxes (22% federal + 5.19% Georgia). Optimal contribution depends on individual circumstances, but financial advisors typically recommend contributing at least enough to capture full employer match (free money), then 10-15% of gross income for adequate retirement savings while balancing current cash flow needs.
Does Georgia tax retirement income?
Georgia provides a retirement income exclusion of up to $65,000 per person ($130,000 for married filing jointly) for taxpayers age 65 and older for tax year 2026. This exclusion applies to retirement income including pensions, 401(k) withdrawals, and IRA distributions. Social Security benefits are not taxed by Georgia. Retirees under 65 can exclude up to $35,000 per person ($70,000 married filing jointly) of retirement income, making Georgia relatively tax-friendly for retirees.
How do I calculate bi-weekly take-home pay from annual salary?
To calculate bi-weekly take-home pay, divide annual salary by 26 pay periods for gross pay per paycheck. Subtract pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance, HSA), then calculate and subtract federal income tax withholding, FICA taxes (7.65% up to Social Security wage base), and Georgia state tax (5.19% of Georgia taxable income). Bi-weekly gross pay is higher than semi-monthly (24 paychecks) but you receive 26 payments annually versus 24.
Where can I find official Georgia tax information?
Official Georgia tax information is available from the Georgia Department of Revenue at dor.georgia.gov, including tax forms, withholding tables, filing instructions, and tax law updates. The Georgia Department of Revenue Individual Income Tax Division provides guidance on state tax calculations. Federal tax information comes from the IRS at irs.gov, including Publication 15-T for withholding calculations and Publication 505 for tax withholding and estimated tax guidance.
• Georgia Department of Revenue: dor.georgia.gov
• GA Individual Income Tax: GA Tax Information
• IRS Federal Tax Information: IRS.gov
• IRS Tax Withholding Estimator: Withholding Calculator
• Social Security Administration: SSA.gov
• IRS Publication 15-T: Withholding Methods