Georgia cut its flat income tax to 4.99% in 2026 — and it keeps dropping. See exactly what you take home after federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare.
Under HB 463 (The Georgia Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2026), Georgia cut its flat income tax rate from 5.19% to 4.99% retroactive to January 1, 2026. The rate is set to fall by 0.125 percentage points each year, targeting 3.99% by 2034. Georgia also has a standard deduction of $12,000 (single) or $24,000 (married), rising to $15,000/$30,000 in 2027. Atlanta and all Georgia cities have no local income tax.
Georgia's income tax rate is declining on a scheduled path — from 5.49% in 2024 to 4.99% in 2026, with further cuts planned toward 3.99% by 2034 under HB 463. This means Georgia workers are in an unusual position where their state tax burden is guaranteed to decrease each year, assuming the economy stays on track. The 2026 rate of 4.99% combined with Georgia's $12,000 standard deduction (single) means moderate-income workers pay a relatively low effective state rate.
Georgia's standard deduction is large and growing. At $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples in 2026 — rising to $15,000/$30,000 in 2027 — Georgia shelters more income from state tax than many comparable states. A single filer earning $50,000 has only $38,000 of Georgia taxable income, paying roughly $1,896 in state tax (a 3.8% effective rate, well below the headline 4.99%). By comparison, North Carolina's lower standard deduction means more income is exposed despite a lower rate of 3.99%.
Atlanta has become one of the South's dominant tech and entertainment hubs — and Georgia's tax trajectory is a deliberate policy choice to compete with no-income-tax states like Tennessee and Florida for corporate relocations. The film industry has also gravitated to Georgia due to generous production tax credits, making the Atlanta metro one of the most active film markets outside of Hollywood. W-2 film workers in Georgia benefit from the same flat state rate as everyone else.
No Georgia city levies a local income tax. Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and every other municipality in the state collect only state income tax — there is no city-level wage tax anywhere in Georgia. Combined with the declining flat rate and large standard deduction, Georgia offers a compelling tax environment for workers considering a move to the Southeast.
Estimates only. Georgia flat rate: 4.99% (HB 463). Standard deduction: $12,000 (single/HOH) / $24,000 (married). Consult a tax professional for advice.
| Gross Pay (this check) | $0.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | −$0.00 |
| Georgia State Tax (4.99%) | −$0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | −$0.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | −$0.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $0.00 |
Georgia has a flat 4.99% state income tax rate for 2026. This was reduced from 5.19% under HB 463 (The Georgia Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2026), signed by Governor Kemp and retroactive to January 1, 2026. The rate is scheduled to decrease by 0.125 percentage points each year starting in 2027, reaching 3.99% by 2034 — meaning Georgia income taxes will keep falling for the foreseeable future.
Four taxes come out of a Georgia paycheck: federal income tax (progressive brackets based on your W-4), Georgia state income tax (4.99% flat), Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), and Medicare (1.45% on all wages). Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and all other Georgia cities do not add a local income tax on wages.
Georgia's standard deduction for 2026 is $12,000 for single filers and heads of household, and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly. Under HB 463, these amounts increase to $15,000 (single/HOH) and $30,000 (married) starting in 2027, with further annual increases of $375/$750 until they reach $18,000/$36,000. The standard deduction reduces your Georgia taxable income before applying the 4.99% rate.
Georgia has cut taxes significantly since 2022. The state moved from a graduated bracket system (top rate 5.75%) to a flat tax at 5.49% in 2024, then accelerated reductions brought it to 5.39% (2025) and 4.99% (2026). The combination of lower rates and a rising standard deduction means most Georgia workers are keeping noticeably more of each paycheck compared to just a few years ago.
No. Atlanta does not have a local income tax on wages. Georgia law does not permit cities or counties to impose a local income tax. Whether you work in Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, Augusta, or anywhere else in the state, your paycheck faces the same 4.99% state rate — no local add-on.
Georgia's 4.99% flat rate is competitive in the Southeast. Florida and Tennessee have no state income tax, saving workers earning $75,000 roughly $3,000–$3,700 per year compared to Georgia. North Carolina uses a flat 4.5% rate (slightly lower). South Carolina has a progressive system reaching 6.3% at higher incomes. Alabama's top rate is 5%. Georgia's rate is falling annually, closing the gap with no-tax neighbors.
Yes. The One Big Beautiful Bill (2026) exempts overtime premiums and up to $25,000 in tips from federal income tax only. Georgia still taxes overtime and tip income at the standard 4.99% state rate. Use our Overtime Tax Calculator to see your combined federal savings and remaining Georgia state tax on overtime pay.
Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce both your federal and Georgia state taxable income — a double benefit. Georgia's income tax starts from federal adjusted gross income (AGI), so any pre-tax deduction that lowers your federal AGI also lowers your Georgia taxable income. Contributing $500/month to a 401(k) saves roughly $375–$450 in federal tax plus an additional $25–$30 in Georgia state tax per month, depending on your bracket.