2026 Wisconsin State Income Tax Brackets — Single Filer
Wisconsin 2026 has 4 single filer brackets: 3.50% / 4.40% / 5.30% / 7.65%. Standard deduction up to $13,230 (phases out $18,790-$124,960). Effective tax rate on $50k-$100k income: 4.2-4.8% after deduction.
Updated April 2026 · Wisconsin Department of Revenue 2026 rate schedule
Wisconsin 2026 single filer tax bracket schedule
| Bracket | Income range | Rate | Tax on max in bracket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 – $13,810 | 3.50% | $483 |
| 2 | $13,811 – $27,630 | 4.40% | $608 |
| 3 | $27,631 – $304,170 | 5.30% | $14,657 |
| 4 | $304,171+ | 7.65% | — |
Most working professionals fall in the 5.30% bracket (covers $27,631 to $304,170). Top 7.65% rate kicks in only above $304,170.
Wisconsin tax estimate by income (single filer)
| Gross income | Std deduction | Taxable income | WI state tax | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $11,833 | $18,167 | $675 | 2.25% |
| $50,000 | $9,341 | $40,659 | $1,782 | 3.56% |
| $75,000 | $6,226 | $68,774 | $3,272 | 4.36% |
| $100,000 | $3,110 | $96,890 | $4,762 | 4.76% |
| $150,000 | $0 | $150,000 | $7,577 | 5.05% |
| $250,000 | $0 | $250,000 | $12,877 | 5.15% |
Frequently asked questions
What are the Wisconsin state income tax brackets for single filers in 2026?▼
Wisconsin 2026 single filer income tax brackets per the Wisconsin Department of Revenue: 3.50% on the first $13,810. 4.40% on $13,811 to $27,630. 5.30% on $27,631 to $304,170. 7.65% (top rate) on income above $304,170. Wisconsin remained at 4 brackets after 2024 reform discussion. The 5.30% bracket is the most-applicable to working professionals — Wisconsin's effective state tax rate for typical $50k-100k earners runs 4.2-4.8% after standard deduction.
What is the Wisconsin standard deduction for single filers in 2026?▼
Wisconsin 2026 single filer standard deduction: maximum $13,230 (full deduction for income up to $18,790). Wisconsin uses a phase-out structure unique among states — deduction reduces as income increases, eliminated entirely at $124,960+. Mid-phase example at $50,000 income: standard deduction ~$9,341. At $75,000: ~$6,226. Itemizing rarely helps Wisconsin filers — state itemized credit limited to mortgage interest, property tax (capped), gambling losses. Most single filers earning <$120k take standard.
How much state income tax will I pay in Wisconsin on $50k, $75k, $100k single filer salary?▼
Wisconsin 2026 state tax estimates for single filer (post standard deduction): $50,000 income — taxable ~$40,659, state tax ~$1,782 (effective rate 3.56%). $75,000 income — taxable ~$68,774, state tax ~$3,272 (effective 4.36%). $100,000 income — taxable ~$96,890, state tax ~$4,762 (effective 4.76%). Don't forget federal tax (12-22% bracket) + FICA 7.65% on top. Total federal+state+FICA effective rate for $75k Wisconsin single: ~22-24%.
How does Wisconsin compare to neighboring Minnesota and Illinois?▼
Single filer state tax comparison 2026 on $75,000 income: Wisconsin: $75,000 → state tax ~$3,200 (4.27% effective). Minnesota: $75,000 → state tax ~$4,100 (5.47% effective — MN has higher brackets, 9.85% top rate). Illinois: $75,000 → state tax ~$3,600 (4.80% flat tax minus exemption). Iowa: $75,000 → state tax ~$2,800 (Iowa flat tax 3.80% post-2026 reform). Michigan: $75,000 → state tax ~$3,000 (4.05% flat). Wisconsin sits middle-of-pack regional. Lower than MN, IL. Higher than IA, MI. Note: MN excludes Social Security from state taxable income (better for retirees); WI taxes SS benefits up to federal taxable amount. Wisconsin ITEM rebate ($60 single 2026) and homestead credit available for low/moderate income.
What credits and deductions can Wisconsin single filers claim?▼
Top Wisconsin tax credits/deductions for single filers 2026: (1) Itemized Deduction Credit — 5% of federal itemized deductions exceeding WI standard. Helpful only for high-mortgage-interest filers. (2) Homestead Credit — for renters/owners with income <$24,680, max $1,168. (3) Earned Income Credit (EIC) — 4% of federal EIC. (4) Property Tax Credit — up to $300 against rent or property tax paid in WI. (5) Child & Dependent Care Credit — % of federal credit. (6) Working Families Credit — single filers with low income. (7) Wisconsin Tuition Expenses subtraction — up to $7,470/student (deduction, not credit). (8) Long-term care insurance subtraction. (9) Health savings account (HSA) — federal HSA contributions also reduce WI taxable income. WI does NOT allow standard deduction PLUS itemized; choose one.
When are Wisconsin state taxes due in 2026?▼
Wisconsin 2026 tax filing deadlines: Tax year 2025 returns due April 15, 2026 (Wednesday — same as federal). Wisconsin grants automatic extension to October 15, 2026 ONLY if you file federal Form 4868 — file the federal extension and Wisconsin honors it. Estimated quarterly payments for 2026 tax year (if owe >$500 in tax): Q1 due April 15, 2026. Q2 June 15, 2026. Q3 September 15, 2026. Q4 January 15, 2027. Wisconsin DOR My Tax Account portal handles e-file + payments. Direct deposit refunds 4-6 weeks; paper checks 8-12 weeks. WI offers IRS Free File partnership for income <$79,000.
What is the Wisconsin take-home pay on a $65,000 single filer salary?▼
Wisconsin 2026 take-home calculation, $65,000 single filer: Federal income tax (post $15,000 federal standard deduction): ~$50,000 taxable, federal tax ~$5,890 (effectively 9.1% on gross). Wisconsin state tax: ~$2,676 (post WI standard deduction). FICA (SS 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%): $4,973. Total federal + state + FICA: ~$13,400. Take-home: ~$51,600/year, or $4,300/month. Add 401(k) contributions (typical 6-10%) reducing gross by $3,900-$6,500: take-home roughly $46,000-$50,000 net depending on benefit elections. Pre-tax health insurance another $1,200-$3,600/year reduction.
Is Wisconsin a high-tax state for single filers?▼
Wisconsin ranks 11th highest state for combined state + local tax burden 2026 per Tax Foundation analysis. Above national average but well below New York, California, Hawaii, Minnesota, Illinois (when including all taxes). Single filer total burden $75k income (state income tax + property tax + sales tax + excise): ~10.4% of income vs national ~9.6% average. Wisconsin sales tax 5% state + 0.5% county (most counties) = 5.5% effective — moderate. Property tax 1.61% effective rate — high (10th nationally). State income tax effective ~4-5% — moderate. Wisconsin's tax mix favors mid-income earners (5.30% bracket covers $27k-$304k) but penalizes high earners (7.65% top rate kicks in at $304k for singles, low threshold). Best for: dual-income families, modest earners using credits. Worst for: high-income singles facing top bracket.