Virginia Salary Calculator 2026 — Free Take-Home Pay Estimator

Virginia Income Tax Summary

Virginia has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75% across four brackets. The state taxes most forms of income but offers a standard deduction and personal exemption. Virginia's income tax burden is moderate. The state also has a state sales tax and moderate property taxes. [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]

Virginia Income Tax Rules

• Progressive tax with four brackets: 2%, 3%, 5%, and 5.75% [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]
• Standard deduction: $8,000 for single filers, $16,000 for married filing jointly (2024) [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]
• Personal exemption: $930 per exemption (phaseouts apply)
• All income types are taxable: wages, salaries, tips, interest, dividends, capital gains
• Social Security benefits are not taxed at the state level
• Retirement income from pensions and IRA distributions is generally taxable
• Age 65+ subtraction of up to $12,000 for those 65 and older

Virginia Payroll & Withholding Rules

Employers must withhold Virginia income tax using graduated withholding tables. Unemployment insurance is employer-paid only. There are no mandatory local income taxes in Virginia. [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]

Local Taxes in Virginia

Virginia does not levy county or city income taxes. However, some localities impose a local option sales tax. Northern Virginia counties near Washington DC have additional taxes. There are no local payroll or income taxes assessed on individuals anywhere in Virginia.

Cost of Living Context

Virginia's cost of living is about 9% above the national average. Housing costs in Northern Virginia near Washington DC are very high, while other areas like Richmond and Virginia Beach are more moderate. Transportation and utilities are near average. Major metro areas include Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]

Real-World Example: Virginia

For a single filer earning $55,000/year in Richmond, Virginia:

• Federal taxable income: ~$40,400 (after $14,600 standard deduction)
• Virginia state tax: ~$2,500 (using 2026 brackets)
• Estimated take-home: ~$3,991/month (pre-FICA, pre-insurance)

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

Virginia FAQs

Q: What are the income tax brackets in Virginia? [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026] A: Virginia has four brackets: 2%, 3%, 5%, and 5.75%. [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]

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

Q: Does Virginia tax retirement income? A: Yes, pension and IRA distributions are generally taxable, but those 65+ may qualify for a $12,000 subtraction.

Q: What is the standard deduction in Virginia? [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026] A: The standard deduction is $8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for married couples filing jointly. [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]

Q: Does Virginia have a state sales tax? A: Yes, Virginia has a state sales tax rate of 4.3%, with local additions. [Source: Virginia Department of Taxation, 2026]

Q: Are capital gains taxed in Virginia? A: Yes, capital gains are taxed as ordinary income at Virginia's progressive rates.

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