Texas has no state income tax — see exactly what you take home after federal tax, Social Security, and Medicare.
Unlike most states, Texas does not tax your wages. Your only deductions are federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) — meaning you keep significantly more of every paycheck compared to states like California or New York.
Texas has never had a personal income tax — the Texas Constitution prohibits one, and any attempt to introduce it would require a statewide voter referendum. For W-2 workers, this means your paycheck is reduced only by federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Nothing goes to the state. On a $100,000 salary, that's roughly $9,000–$12,000 more in take-home pay per year compared to a comparable job in California or New York.
The tradeoff is property tax. Texas funds its schools and local services almost entirely through property taxes, which rank among the highest in the nation — averaging around 1.7%–2.2% of assessed value per year. A homeowner with a $350,000 home can expect to pay $6,000–$7,700 in annual property taxes. Renters pay indirectly, as landlords pass the cost through rent. For high earners who rent or own modest homes, the no-income-tax benefit easily outweighs the property tax cost. For homeowners in expensive markets, the math is closer.
Texas has attracted major corporate relocations precisely because of its payroll advantage. Oracle, Tesla, HP, and dozens of other companies have moved headquarters or significant operations to Texas. A software engineer earning $180,000 in Austin saves approximately $16,000 per year in state income tax compared to the same job in California. Over a decade, that's $160,000 — before accounting for investment returns on the difference. This is why Texas has become the dominant destination for California workers who can work remotely or switch employers.
Texas also has no inheritance tax and no estate tax at the state level. Combined with no income tax, Texas is one of the most wealth-accumulation-friendly states in the country. The only significant tax burden unique to Texas — beyond property taxes — is a relatively modest franchise tax on businesses, which doesn't affect W-2 employees directly.
Tips up to $25,000/yr and overtime pay are now exempt from federal income tax under the One Big Beautiful Bill (2026).
Estimates only. Texas has no state income tax. Federal rates apply. Consult a tax professional for advice.
| Gross Pay (this check) | $0.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | −$0.00 |
| Texas State Income Tax | $0.00 ✓ |
| Social Security (6.2%) | −$0.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | −$0.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $0.00 |
No. Texas is one of nine states with no state income tax on wages. The Texas Constitution prohibits a personal income tax, meaning your paycheck is only subject to federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare — never a Texas state tax.
Three things: federal income tax (based on your bracket and filing status), Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100), and Medicare (1.45% on all wages). That's it — no state tax, no local income tax in most Texas cities.
Significantly more at higher incomes. California's top state rate is 13.3%. On a $100,000 salary, you'd pay roughly $5,000–$7,000 in California state income tax that a Texas resident pays $0. Use the comparison table above after calculating your paycheck to see the exact difference for your salary.
Texas follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Texas has not enacted a higher state minimum wage, so the federal floor applies statewide.
No. Texas cities and counties cannot levy a local income tax. Unlike cities like New York City or Philadelphia that add their own income tax on top of state tax, Texas workers in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or anywhere else pay zero local income tax.
Biweekly pay means you receive 26 paychecks per year (every two weeks). Two months each year will have three paychecks instead of two — a useful budgeting opportunity. Your gross pay per check is your annual salary divided by 26.
Yes — Texas property tax rates are among the highest in the nation, averaging around 1.6–1.8% of assessed home value annually. This is how Texas funds schools and local services instead of income tax. If you're renting, this doesn't directly affect your paycheck.
Pre-tax deductions reduce your federal taxable income before tax is calculated, lowering your federal income tax bill. Since Texas has no state income tax, 401(k) contributions save you only federal tax — but that's still meaningful. Contributing $500/month to a 401(k) might only reduce your take-home by $370–$440 depending on your bracket.