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How Wisconsin withholding works in 2026
Wisconsin's guide (Publication W-166, 1/26) gives employers wage-bracket tables and an alternate method. In the alternate method the employer annualizes pay, subtracts a deduction that shrinks as pay rises (for single filers $6,702 below $17,780 of pay, phasing to $0 at $73,630; for married filers $9,461 below $25,727, phasing to $0 at $73,032), subtracts $400 for each exemption, and applies 3.54% up to $12,760, 4.65% to $25,520, 5.30% to $280,950 and 7.65% above.
For example, a single employee earning $50,000 with one exemption has about $2,171 withheld for the year ($83.50 per biweekly paycheck). Each exemption lowers withholding by about $21 a year at 5.30%.
Wisconsin has its own form: the WT-4
Federal Form W-4 cannot be used for Wisconsin withholding. Every newly hired employee must give each employer a completed WT-4. You check Single, Married, or "Married, but withhold at higher Single rate" (if you are married but legally separated, check Single). You must give your employer a new WT-4 within 10 days if the number of exemptions you claimed decreases, and you can give one at any time if it increases.
If you have more than one employer, claim fewer or no exemptions on the WT-4s for the others so the total withheld is closer to your actual tax. If you claim the maximum exemptions and still have too much withheld, you can ask for less withholding with Form WT-4A.
How to fill out the WT-4
Line 1(a) is the exemption for yourself (enter 1), 1(b) the exemption for your spouse (enter 1), and 1(c) one exemption for each dependent, meaning the people who qualify as your dependents for federal tax. A spouse is not a dependent. Line 1(d) is the total. Line 2 is an additional amount per pay period you want deducted if your employer agrees, which is useful if you have zero exemptions and still expect a balance due.
Claiming exempt from Wisconsin withholding
Enter "Exempt" on Line 3 only if you had no Wisconsin income tax liability last year and expect none this year. The certificate expires on April 30 of the next year unless you give your employer a new WT-4 before then. You must give a new WT-4 within 10 days of expecting to owe tax, or on or before December 1 if you expect to owe tax for the next year. Employers must send the department a copy of any WT-4 claiming more than 10 exemptions or complete exemption for someone earning over $200 a week.
Wisconsin W-4 FAQ
What is the Wisconsin WT-4 form?+
The WT-4 is Wisconsin's Employee's Wisconsin Withholding Exemption Certificate and new hire reporting form. Employers use it to decide how much Wisconsin income tax to withhold. The federal W-4 cannot be used for Wisconsin withholding.
How much is a Wisconsin withholding exemption worth?+
In Wisconsin's alternate withholding method, each exemption reduces annual wages by $400 (Publication W-166, 1/26), which lowers withholding by about $21 a year at the 5.30% rate.
What are Wisconsin's withholding rates?+
The alternate method uses 3.54% on the first $12,760 of net annual wages, 4.65% up to $25,520, 5.30% up to $280,950 and 7.65% above that.
How many exemptions can I claim on the WT-4?+
One for yourself, one for your spouse, and one for each dependent who qualifies for federal tax purposes. Claim fewer on the WT-4s for second jobs. Claiming more than you are entitled to leads to under-withholding.
When do I need a new WT-4?+
Within 10 days if the number of exemptions you claimed decreases. You can give a new one at any time if it increases. A claim of complete exemption expires April 30 of the next year.
Can I claim exempt from Wisconsin withholding?+
Yes, by entering Exempt on Line 3, if you had no Wisconsin income tax liability last year and expect none this year. You must give your employer a new WT-4 each year and revoke it within 10 days of expecting to owe tax.
Start with your federal W-4
Your Wisconsin withholding follows your pay, but your W-4 is federal. Get the exact lines to fill in.
Open the W-4 Calculator →