Calculate your take-home pay in The First State. Delaware income tax rate: 6.6%.
Delaware has a progressive income tax with seven brackets up to 6.6%. However, Delaware has no state sales tax and no local income taxes for most residents (Wilmington has a local wage tax). The lack of sales tax partially offsets the income tax burden for residents.
| Item | Per Paycheck | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | - | - | - |
| Federal Income Tax | - | - | - |
| Delaware State Tax | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Social Security | - | - | - |
| Medicare | - | - | - |
| 401(k) + Pre-Tax | - | - | - |
| Take-Home Pay | - | - | - |
Delaware has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.6%. This calculator estimates your take-home pay after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions. Enter your salary or hourly wage above to see a detailed breakdown of your paycheck.
Delaware has no sales tax, which partially offsets its income tax rates. The progressive system ranges from 2.2% to 6.6% on income above $60,000. Wilmington and some other cities impose a local earned income tax (typically 1.25%). Delaware's lack of sales tax makes it a popular shopping destination for residents of neighboring states.
Regardless of state taxes, all Delaware workers pay federal income tax using the 2026 brackets: 10% on the first $11,925 of taxable income (single), 12% up to $48,475, 22% up to $103,350, 24% up to $197,300, 32% up to $250,525, 35% up to $626,350, and 37% on income above that. The standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly in 2026.
All workers in Delaware pay Social Security tax at 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2026) and Medicare tax at 1.45% on all wages. An additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to wages over $200,000 for single filers. These federal payroll taxes apply uniformly regardless of which state you live in.
Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income for both federal and state purposes. Contributing to a 401(k) (up to $24,500 in 2026, plus $8,000 catch-up if 50+) lowers both your federal and DE state tax bill. Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family in 2026) are also pre-tax. Review your W-4 withholding: if you receive a large refund each year, you may be overwithholding, which means less money in each paycheck. The Tax Bracket Calculator shows your federal marginal and effective rates.
Delaware has no sales tax, which combined with moderate income tax rates (2.2-6.6%) makes it attractive for both residents and shoppers. The state is home to a massive number of incorporated businesses due to its favorable corporate law, and the financial services sector (especially credit card companies) is a major employer.
Delaware's combination of no sales tax and moderate income tax rates creates an interesting total tax picture. For daily purchases, you save 6-10% compared to neighboring states with sales tax. Whether that offsets the income tax depends on your spending habits and income level.