Delaware Take-Home Pay Calculator
2.2%–6.6% graduatedEstimate your net paycheck after federal taxes, FICA, and Delaware state income tax.
Last updated: April 2026
Delaware Income Tax
Delaware has a graduated income tax with rates up to 6.6% on income over $60,000.
Delaware State Income Tax: What You Need to Know
Delaware has a graduated income tax with rates up to 6.6% on income over $60,000.
Delaware is best known internationally as a corporate legal haven — over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware for its flexible corporate laws, specialized Court of Chancery, and favorable business tax environment. But for individual wage earners, Delaware's personal income tax is a separate matter entirely: a graduated system that reaches 6.6% on income over $60,000. Delaware has no state or local sales tax, which provides meaningful savings on everyday purchases compared to neighboring Pennsylvania (6%) or Maryland (6%). Wilmington levies an additional 1.25% city wage tax on income earned within the city — making Wilmington one of the higher combined-rate jurisdictions in the mid-Atlantic for workers physically based in the city. Delaware eliminated its state estate tax in 2018, making it significantly more attractive for wealth transfer planning. Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits. Residents 60 and older can exclude up to $12,500 of pension, 401(k), or IRA income from Delaware state tax. Delaware has no local sales tax and no statewide property tax (property taxes are assessed at the county level and are relatively low). For most Delaware workers outside Wilmington, the tax picture is straightforward: a moderate graduated income tax with no sales tax drag.
On top of state taxes, all workers also pay federal income tax based on the 2026 progressive brackets, plus FICA taxes: Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages).
Our calculator applies Delaware's 2.2%–6.6% graduated to your gross income as a simplified estimate. Actual state taxes may vary based on deductions, exemptions, and local taxes not captured in this estimate.
Delaware Income Tax Brackets (2026, Single Filers)
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $2,000 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 – $5,000 | 2.20% |
| $5,000 – $10,000 | 3.90% |
| $10,000 – $20,000 | 4.80% |
| $20,000 – $25,000 | 5.20% |
| $25,000 – $60,000 | 5.55% |
| $60,000 – and above | 6.60% |
Delaware Take-Home Pay Examples (2026, Single Filer)
Estimates based on standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions. Last updated: April 2026.
| Salary | Federal Tax | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,167 | $1,834 | $3,060 | $31,939 |
| $60,000 | $6,617 | $2,944 | $4,590 | $45,849 |
| $80,000 | $10,817 | $4,264 | $6,120 | $58,799 |
| $100,000 | $15,617 | $5,584 | $7,650 | $71,149 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Delaware Taxes
What are Delaware's income tax brackets for 2026?
Delaware has seven brackets: 0% on income up to $2,000, 2.2% from $2,000 to $5,000, 3.9% from $5,000 to $10,000, 4.8% from $10,000 to $20,000, 5.2% from $20,000 to $25,000, 5.55% from $25,000 to $60,000, and 6.6% on income over $60,000. Most middle-income earners hit the 5.55% or 6.6% bracket on the bulk of their wages.
Does Delaware have a sales tax?
No — Delaware is one of five states with no state sales tax. This makes Delaware a popular shopping destination for residents of neighboring Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. The absence of sales tax partially offsets the moderately high income tax for everyday purchases.
Does Wilmington have a city income tax?
Yes. Wilmington charges a 1.25% wage tax on income earned within city limits. If you work in Wilmington, this is withheld in addition to state income tax. Wilmington residents who work outside the city pay a slightly different resident tax. This makes Wilmington one of the higher total tax burdens for workers in the mid-Atlantic region.
Why are so many companies incorporated in Delaware?
Delaware's corporate-friendly tax structure — which does not apply to personal income — makes it a favorite for business incorporation. Delaware has specialized courts (the Court of Chancery) and flexible corporate laws. None of this reduces income taxes for individual workers; the personal income tax system is separate from corporate tax law.
Does Delaware tax retirement income?
Delaware provides a pension exclusion of up to $12,500 for taxpayers 60 and older, which applies to pension income, IRA distributions, and other retirement income. Social Security benefits are exempt from Delaware income tax. This makes Delaware reasonably retirement-friendly despite its moderate income tax rates.
How much does an $80,000 salary take home in Delaware?
A single filer earning $80,000 in Delaware takes home approximately $58,799 per year after federal income tax (~$10,817), Delaware state tax (~$4,264), Social Security ($4,960), and Medicare ($1,160). The effective combined tax rate is about 26.5% — higher than low-tax states but typical for the northeast.