Ohio · 401(k) Contribution
401(k) Contribution in Ohio (2026)
Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce 2026 taxable wages up to the $24,500 employee deferral limit, with catch-up rules for eligible older workers. Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax, so a Ohio filer's combined marginal rate on the next dollar at $62,262 of income is about 14.75% (12% federal + 2.75% OH).
2026 savings example for Ohio
Planning estimate for a single filer earning $62,262 (Ohio median household income in LevyIO's state dataset) who removes $5,000 from taxable income. Federal tax uses the 2026 IRS brackets after the $16,100 standard deduction; OH tax uses the state brackets in LevyIO's dataset and assumes the state follows the federal treatment.
Estimated total savings
$738
Federal savings
$600
$5,291 → $4,691 · 12% bracket
OH state savings
$138
$996 → $858 · 2.75% marginal
Combined marginal rate
14.75%
≈ $148 saved per $1,000 deducted
Statutory maximum for this item in LevyIO's dataset: $24,500.
Federal × Ohio marginal rates (2026, single)
Gross-income ranges include the federal standard deduction. The OH column is the state marginal rate at the midpoint of each range. The last column is the tax saved per $1,000 deducted at that combined rate.
| Federal bracket | Gross income (single) | OH marginal | Combined | Per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $16,100 - $28,500 | 0% | 10% | $100 |
| 12% | $28,500 - $66,500 | 2.75% | 14.75% | $148 |
| 22% | $66,500 - $121,800 | 2.75% | 24.75% | $248 |
| 24% | $121,800 - $217,875 | 2.75% | 26.75% | $268 |
| 32% | $217,875 - $272,325 | 2.75% | 34.75% | $348 |
| 35% | $272,325 - $656,700 | 2.75% | 37.75% | $378 |
| 37% | Over $656,700 | 2.75% | 39.75% | $398 |
Eligibility & forms
Employees with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans
- $24,500 employee elective deferral limit for 2026
- $32,500 total if age 50+ with regular catch-up
- $35,750 total if age 60-63 and the plan allows the higher catch-up
- Pre-tax contributions reduce taxable wages; Roth 401(k) contributions do not
Federal forms: W-2
Ohio filing notes
The $26,050 zero-bracket benefits low earners. Check your city's income tax rate. Social Security is exempt. Consider municipal tax when choosing where to live.
Common mistakes: Not maximizing employer match; Over-contributing across multiple plans; Treating Roth 401(k) contributions as a current-year deduction; Ignoring payroll year-to-date deferrals after changing jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the 401(k) Contribution save a Ohio taxpayer in 2026?
In LevyIO's example, a single filer with $62,262 of income (the Ohio median household income in our state dataset) who removes $5,000 from taxable income saves about $600 in 2026 federal tax (12% marginal bracket) plus about $138 in Ohio tax (2.75% state marginal rate), roughly $738 combined. It is a planning estimate computed from the 2026 IRS brackets and LevyIO's OH bracket data, not a survey figure.
What is the Ohio income tax rate for 2026?
Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax. The OH standard deduction in LevyIO's dataset is $0 single / $0 married. First $26,050 tax-free. Then a flat 2.75%. Many cities levy 2-3% income tax.
Who qualifies for the 401(k) Contribution in Ohio?
Employees with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. The federal rules are the same in every state; the requirements are: $24,500 employee elective deferral limit for 2026; $32,500 total if age 50+ with regular catch-up; $35,750 total if age 60-63 and the plan allows the higher catch-up; Pre-tax contributions reduce taxable wages; Roth 401(k) contributions do not. Ohio filers should confirm on the OH return whether the state follows the federal treatment.
Which forms do I file to claim the 401(k) Contribution?
Federal: W-2. Ohio: check the Ohio Department of Taxation instructions for the matching state schedule. Common mistakes: Not maximizing employer match; Over-contributing across multiple plans; Treating Roth 401(k) contributions as a current-year deduction; Ignoring payroll year-to-date deferrals after changing jobs.
401(k) Contribution in other states
Sources
Reviewed 2026-09-17. Estimates are educational planning figures computed from the IRS 2026 inflation adjustments and LevyIO's state bracket dataset; they are not tax advice.