Georgia Salary Calculator 2026 — Free Take-Home Pay Estimator

Georgia Income Tax Summary

Georgia has a flat income tax rate of 5.49% as of 2024, following tax reform that simplified the previous progressive system. The state taxes most forms of income but offers a standard deduction and personal exemptions. Georgia's overall tax burden is moderate. The state also has a state sales tax and moderate property taxes. [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]

Georgia Income Tax Rules

• Flat income tax rate of 5.49% on Georgia taxable income [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]
• Standard deduction: $6,200 for single filers, $12,400 for married filing jointly (2025 indexed) [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]
• Personal exemption: none (repealed under tax reform)
• Wages, salaries, tips, interest, dividends, and capital gains are all taxable
• Social Security benefits are not taxed at the state level
• Retirement income from pensions and IRA distributions is generally taxable
• Up to $65,000 of retirement income may be excluded for those 65 and older (up to $130,000 for joint filers)

Georgia Payroll & Withholding Rules

Employers must withhold Georgia income tax at the flat 5.49% rate. Withholding tables are provided by the Georgia Department of Revenue. Unemployment insurance tax is employer-paid only. There are no mandatory local income taxes in Georgia. [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]

Local Taxes in Georgia

Georgia does not levy county or city income taxes. However, some cities and counties impose local option sales taxes. There are no local payroll or income taxes assessed on individuals anywhere in Georgia.

Cost of Living Context

Georgia's cost of living is about 10% below the national average. Housing is affordable, especially outside the Atlanta metro area. Transportation, groceries, and utilities are also below national averages. Atlanta is a major economic hub with costs slightly higher than the rest of the state. [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]

Real-World Example: Georgia

For a single filer earning $55,000/year in Atlanta, Georgia:

• Federal taxable income: ~$40,400 (after $14,600 standard deduction)
• Georgia state tax: ~$2,680 (using 2026 brackets)
• Estimated take-home: ~$3,976/month (pre-FICA, pre-insurance)

Note: Actual results vary based on deductions, credits, and local taxes.

Georgia FAQs

Q: What is the Georgia income tax rate? [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026] A: Georgia has a flat income tax rate of 5.49% for 2024. [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]

Q: Does Georgia tax Social Security benefits? A: No, Georgia does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.

Q: Does Georgia tax retirement income? A: For those 65 and older, up to $65,000 of retirement income is excluded for single filers.

Q: What is the standard deduction in Georgia? [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026] A: The standard deduction is $6,200 for single filers and $12,400 for married couples filing jointly. [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]

Q: Does Georgia have a state sales tax? A: Yes, Georgia has a state sales tax rate of 4%, with additional local rates. [Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, 2026]

Q: Are capital gains taxed in Georgia? A: Yes, capital gains are taxed as ordinary income at Georgia's flat 5.49% rate.

Q: Does Georgia have local income taxes? A: No, Georgia does not impose local income taxes on individuals.