Texas has no state income tax on wages.
Texas residents only need to worry about their federal W-4. Calculate your federal withholding to get started.
With no state withholding, the only income tax taken from a Texas paycheck is federal. Your federal W-4 sets that amount, so the choices that matter are your filing status, whether a second job or working spouse needs Step 2, and any credits or extra withholding in Steps 3 and 4. Social Security and Medicare are withheld on top of it.
If you work in a different state than you live in, that state may still withhold tax from your pay. See the moving to a new state guide, the step-by-step W-4 walkthrough and the withholding calculator.
Calculate your exact federal withholding — takes about 2 minutes.
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What Texas workers need to know about their W-4
Texas does not levy a personal income tax, so no Texas income tax is withheld from your paycheck and there is no Texas withholding form. The federal W-4 is the only withholding form you control.
Because there is no state tax in the mix, your federal W-4 settings drive whether you get a refund or owe in April. If your last return surprised you, review Steps 3 and 4, especially if you have a second job or side income.
What is taken out of a Texas paycheck
Texas paychecks have federal income tax (set by your W-4) and FICA payroll taxes, plus any pre-tax benefit deductions you choose. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, and Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, plus an extra 0.9% on wages above $200,000 ($250,000 for married filing jointly).
Unemployment insurance is paid by employers in Texas, not deducted from your pay. If you live in Texas but work in a state that does tax income, that state may withhold its own tax from your wages, so check with your employer.
Texas W-4 FAQ
Does Texas have state income tax?+
No. Texas does not levy a personal income tax, so no state income tax is withheld from wages.
Do I need a state W-4 in Texas?+
No. Since Texas has no state income tax, there is no Texas withholding form. You only fill out the federal Form W-4.
What taxes are taken out of my Texas paycheck?+
Federal income tax based on your W-4, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500 in 2026), and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% on wages above $200,000), along with any pre-tax benefits you elect.
How do I check my Texas take-home pay?+
Use the paycheck calculator to see federal tax, Social Security, and Medicare taken from a Texas paycheck and your estimated take-home pay.
Estimate your Texas take-home pay
No state income tax means your take-home depends on federal tax and FICA. See your paycheck broken down.
Open the Paycheck Calculator →