Georgia paycheck taxes at a glance
| Income tax on wages | Flat 4.99% |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $15,000 single · $30,000 married filing jointly |
| Personal exemption | $0 single · $0 joint · $5,000 per dependent |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $7.25 an hour (federal rate; Georgia's $5.15 state rate applies only in limited cases) |
Example: a $81,800 salary in Georgia
The median household income in Georgia is about $81,847 (2025 data). Here's what one earner with that salary, paid every two weeks, filing single with no pre-tax deductions, would see on each paycheck in 2026:
| Gross pay | $3,146.15 |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | −$352.54 |
| Social Security | −$195.06 |
| Medicare | −$45.62 |
| Georgia income tax | −$128.20 |
| Take-home pay | $2,424.73 |
That's $63,043 a year in take-home pay, or 22.9% of gross pay going to taxes.
Take-home pay by salary in Georgia
Single filer, paid biweekly, standard W-4, no pre-tax deductions:
| Salary | Per paycheck | Per year | State taxes | Total tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,272.02 | $33,073 | $1,248 | 17.3% |
| $60,000 | $1,851.71 | $48,145 | $2,246 | 19.8% |
| $80,000 | $2,379.48 | $61,867 | $3,244 | 22.7% |
| $100,000 | $2,882.25 | $74,939 | $4,242 | 25.1% |
| $150,000 | $4,117.48 | $107,055 | $6,737 | 28.6% |
| $200,000 | $5,372.90 | $139,696 | $9,232 | 30.2% |
What changed for 2026
- The flat income tax rate fell from 5.19% to 4.99%, retroactive to January 1, 2026, under HB 463, signed May 11, 2026. Employers could start withholding at 4.99% from that date.
- The standard deduction rose to $15,000 for single, head of household and married filing separately, and to $30,000 for married couples filing jointly.
- The deduction for each dependent rose from $4,000 to $5,000.
- HB 463 also created limited Georgia subtractions for qualified overtime pay and cash tips, separate from the federal deductions.
Georgia pay rules worth knowing
- Georgia law requires most employers to pay at least twice a month (semi-monthly).
How Georgia taxes your paycheck
Georgia has one rate for everyone: 4.99% for 2026. Your employer subtracts the Georgia standard deduction ($15,000 single, $30,000 married filing jointly) and $5,000 for each dependent you claim on Form G-4, then applies the flat rate to what’s left. There’s no separate state disability or paid-leave deduction, so the only Georgia line on your stub is income tax.
A flat rate makes raises easy to predict. Once your income is above the deductions, each extra dollar costs exactly 4.99 cents in Georgia tax, whether you earn $50,000 or $500,000.
The mid-year rate cut and your 2026 refund
HB 463 was signed on May 11, 2026, but it applies to the whole tax year. The Department of Revenue told employers to keep withholding at 5.19% until the change took effect; from May 11 they could switch to 4.99%. So:
- Paychecks before the switch withheld at the old rate, under the old, smaller deductions.
- Paychecks after the switch reflect the new rate and deductions.
- When you file your 2026 return, your tax is figured at 4.99% with the larger deductions for the full year. Withholding that ran at the old rate counts toward that tax, so the extra usually shows up as a larger refund or a smaller balance due.
The calculator above uses the 2026 rules for the whole year, so it shows the paycheck you’d get at the new rate. If your January–May stubs show more Georgia tax than this estimate, that’s why.
Using Form G-4
Georgia uses its own withholding form, the G-4. Your employer uses it to apply your filing status, dependents and allowances. A few situations where it’s worth updating:
- You gained a dependent. Each dependent is now worth $5,000 in deductions, up from $4,000.
- You expect a large refund every year. With the 2026 changes, it may make sense to review your allowances so less is withheld.
Planning ahead
The governor’s office describes HB 463 as including further annual rate reductions and standard deduction increases, so expect Georgia’s rate tables to keep changing. The income tax calculator estimates your full-year federal tax, and the 401(k) calculator shows how pre-tax savings grow. Traditional 401(k) contributions lower your federal taxable wages, and the paycheck calculator above lets you enter a contribution rate to see the effect on take-home pay.
If you work in Georgia on tips or regular overtime, keep good records. The new Georgia subtractions are claimed when you file, so your paychecks won’t reflect them.
Estimates only. Your employer’s payroll system, your W-4 and G-4 determine your actual paycheck.
Sources
- Georgia Department of Labor: Minimum Wage
- U.S. Department of Labor: State Payday Requirements
- Office of the Governor: Gov. Kemp signs HB 463 (May 11, 2026)
- Census Bureau: Household Income in States and Metropolitan Areas, 2025
- dor.georgia.gov
- gov.georgia.gov
- IRS Publication 15-T (federal withholding)
Frequently asked questions
What is Georgia's income tax rate for 2026?
It's a flat 4.99% of Georgia taxable income for every filer, after the standard deduction and any dependent deductions. HB 463 also provides for further annual rate cuts, so the rate may keep stepping down in future years.
Why does Georgia's minimum wage say $5.15?
That's the rate in Georgia's own law, but the Georgia Department of Labor notes that, with some limited exceptions, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 applies. In practice, most Georgia jobs must pay at least $7.25 an hour.
Are overtime and tips tax-free in Georgia?
Not entirely. HB 463 created Georgia's own limited subtractions for qualified overtime and cash tips, and they work separately from the federal deductions, so the federal amount doesn't automatically carry over. This calculator doesn't model them; you claim them when you file your Georgia return.
How do I change my Georgia withholding?
Give your employer a new Form G-4, Georgia's withholding certificate. It's separate from the federal W-4, so updating one doesn't change the other.
Facts verified November 6, 2026. Estimates only; your employer's payroll system and your W-4 determine your actual withholding.