How Iowa Paychecks Are Taxed in 2026
Iowa switched to a single flat rate of 3.8% and starts from federal taxable income. It gives a $40 personal credit per person. Iowa also does not tax retirement income.
For 2026, Iowa has a flat 3.8% state income tax. Before the rates apply, Iowa allows a standard deduction of $16,100 for single filers ($32,200 for married couples filing jointly), a personal credit of $40.
Many Iowa school districts add a small income surtax.
As a reference point, a single filer in Iowa earning $60,000 with no pre-tax deductions keeps about $48,762 a year, or roughly $1,875.45 per bi-weekly paycheck. Enter your own pay above to see your numbers.
Iowa Paycheck Taxes at a Glance
How Iowa's Flat Tax Works
Every Iowa taxpayer pays the same 3.8% rate on taxable income, so the math is short:
On a $60,000 salary that comes to about $1,628 a year ($62.62 per bi-weekly paycheck), an effective state rate of 2.71%, lower than the headline rate because of the deductions taken first.
Local Income Taxes in Iowa
Many Iowa school districts add a small income surtax.
Enter your local rate in the calculator's "Local income tax rate" box to include it. Your pay stub or your city or county tax office lists the exact rate.
Federal and Iowa Payroll Taxes
Payroll taxes are separate from income tax and work the same in every state: Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026, and Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, with an extra 0.9% withheld on wages over $200,000.
Iowa does not withhold a statewide employee payroll tax such as disability or paid family leave insurance.
Take-Home Pay by Salary in Iowa
Yearly estimates with the standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions and no local tax. Married figures assume one earner filing jointly.
| Salary | Federal tax | FICA | Iowa tax | Take-home, single | Take-home, married |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,420 | $2,295 | $488 | $25,797 | $27,705 |
| $45,000 | $3,220 | $3,443 | $1,058 | $37,279 | $39,871 |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $4,590 | $1,628 | $48,762 | $51,594 |
| $75,000 | $7,670 | $5,738 | $2,198 | $59,394 | $63,076 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $7,650 | $3,148 | $76,032 | $82,214 |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $11,475 | $5,048 | $108,743 | $118,789 |
| $200,000 | $36,734 | $14,339 | $6,948 | $141,979 | $153,025 |
A $60,000 Paycheck in Iowa, Line by Line
Single filer, paid bi-weekly (26 paychecks), standard withholding, no pre-tax deductions.
Over a year that's $48,762 take-home, with a total tax rate of 18.7%. Iowa income tax is 2.71% of gross pay.
Iowa vs. Nearby States
Yearly take-home on a $60,000 salary, single filer, no pre-tax deductions or local tax.
Iowa Paycheck FAQs
What is the Iowa state income tax rate in 2026?
Iowa uses a flat 3.8% rate for 2026, applied to taxable income after the state's deductions and exemptions.
How much is $60,000 a year after taxes in Iowa?
A single filer earning $60,000 in Iowa takes home about $48,762 a year, or $1,875.45 per bi-weekly paycheck, with standard withholding and no pre-tax deductions.
Do I pay local income tax in Iowa?
Many Iowa school districts add a small income surtax.
Does Iowa withhold any state payroll taxes?
No. Iowa has no statewide employee payroll tax for disability or paid leave, so only federal Social Security and Medicare apply.
Does filing status change my Iowa tax?
Yes. Iowa gives married couples filing jointly different brackets, deductions or exemptions than single filers, and filing status also changes your federal withholding.
Will my paycheck match this calculator exactly?
It should be close. The calculator estimates your yearly taxes and spreads them across your paychecks. Your employer uses your W-4, any state withholding form, your benefit elections and its payroll system, so your stub can differ by a few dollars.