Virginia Salary Calculator 2026 - Free VA Paycheck Estimator
Definition
Virginia uses a progressive income tax system with four brackets ranging from 2% to 5.75%. The Commonwealth does not impose local income taxes on wages, unlike neighboring Maryland. Virginia's standard deduction is $8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Estimated reading time: 22 minutes. This complete guide covers Virginia's four-bracket progressive income tax system, federal withholding, FICA contributions, industry-specific salary data, self-employment taxes, cost of living by region, and everything you need to calculate your actual take-home pay in the Commonwealth.
Virginia Salary Calculator
Use this free calculator to estimate your Virginia take-home pay. Enter your gross salary, select your filing status and pay frequency, and see a full breakdown of federal taxes, Virginia state taxes, and FICA contributions deducted from your paycheck. Every calculation runs locally in your browser with no data sent anywhere.
How to Use This Calculator
This Virginia salary calculator works entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server, and nothing is stored. Here is how to get your estimate:
- Enter your total annual gross salary before any deductions. This is the number on your offer letter or the annualized version of your hourly rate.
- Choose how often you receive a paycheck. Most Virginia employers use bi-weekly (26 paychecks per year), though semi-monthly and monthly are also common.
- Select your federal filing status. This affects both federal and Virginia tax calculations. If you are unsure, single is the most common for unmarried individuals.
- Add the number of dependents you claim on your Virginia VA-4 withholding form. Each dependent provides a $930 personal exemption.
- Include any pre-tax 401(k) contributions as a percentage of your salary. These reduce your taxable income for both federal and state purposes.
- Enter other pre-tax deductions such as health insurance premiums, HSA contributions, or FSA contributions as a dollar amount.
- Press "Calculate Take-Home Pay" to see your full breakdown including per-period amounts.
The calculator applies 2025 federal tax brackets, Virginia's four-bracket progressive system, and current FICA rates to produce your estimated net pay. Results update instantly and you can adjust inputs as many times as you need to model different scenarios.
Virginia Tax Brackets 2026
Virginia has a progressive state income tax with four brackets. Unlike many states that periodically adjust their brackets for inflation, Virginia's thresholds have remained unchanged for decades. This means the brackets are the same whether you are looking at 2020 or 2025 rates. Here is the complete breakdown:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate | Tax on Bracket | Cumulative Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 to $3,000 | 2.0% | Up to $60 | $60 |
| $3,001 to $5,000 | 3.0% | Up to $60 | $120 |
| $5,001 to $17,000 | 5.0% | Up to $600 | $720 |
| $17,001 and above | 5.75% | Varies | $720 + 5.75% of excess |
The first $17,000 of Virginia taxable income is taxed at blended lower rates, producing $720 in tax. Everything above $17,000 is taxed at the top rate of 5.75%. For the vast majority of Virginia workers, most of their income falls in the 5.75% bracket. This means Virginia's tax system is effectively nearly flat for middle and upper-income earners, with only a small progressive benefit on the first $17,000.
Virginia conforms to many federal tax provisions but maintains its own standard deduction and personal exemption amounts. The state does not index its brackets to inflation, which means these thresholds have stayed the same for a long period. This is a point of ongoing legislative discussion in Richmond, as inflation has gradually pushed more low-income Virginians into the top bracket.
Bracket-by-Bracket Walkthrough
Understanding how progressive taxation works in Virginia requires walking through an actual example. I will use a single filer earning $75,000 per year with no dependents and no pre-tax deductions to illustrate exactly how each bracket applies.
Step 1: Calculate Virginia Taxable Income
Start with gross income of $75,000. Subtract the Virginia standard deduction of $8,000 and the personal exemption of $930 (one exemption for the taxpayer). Virginia taxable income = $75,000 - $8,000 - $930 = $66,070.
Step 2: Apply the Four Brackets
Step 3: Sum All Brackets
Total Virginia state tax = $60 + $60 + $600 + $2,821.53 = $3,541.53. The effective Virginia state tax rate on the full $75,000 gross income is 4.72%. Notice how that is below the top marginal rate of 5.75% because the first $17,000 is taxed at lower rates.
For a married couple filing jointly with the same $75,000 income, the math changes significantly. The standard deduction doubles to $16,000 and they receive two personal exemptions totaling $1,860. Virginia taxable income drops to $57,140, and the total state tax comes to approximately $3,028, for an effective rate of just 4.04%.
Filing Status Options in Virginia
Virginia recognizes the same filing statuses as the federal government, and your choice of filing status has a meaningful impact on your tax liability. Here is how each status affects your Virginia return:
Single
Used by unmarried individuals, divorced taxpayers, or those legally separated under a Virginia decree. Standard deduction: $8,000. One personal exemption of $930. This is the most straightforward filing status and the default for the calculator above.
Married Filing Jointly
Available to married couples who want to combine their incomes on a single return. Standard deduction: $16,000. Two personal exemptions totaling $1,860. In most cases, this produces the lowest combined tax bill for married couples because the standard deduction is exactly doubled.
Married Filing Separately
Each spouse files their own return with their own income. Standard deduction: $8,000 each. One personal exemption of $930 each. Virginia, unlike the federal system, does not penalize married-separate filers with different bracket thresholds. The Virginia brackets are the same regardless of filing status.
Head of Household
For unmarried individuals who pay more than half the cost of maintaining a home for a qualifying dependent. Virginia does not have a separate Head of Household standard deduction. These filers use the single standard deduction of $8,000 plus their personal exemptions. The federal system provides a larger standard deduction and wider brackets for Head of Household, which still benefits your federal calculation.
| Filing Status | VA Standard Deduction | Personal Exemptions | Federal Standard Deduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $8,000 | $930 per person | $15,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $16,000 | $930 per person | $30,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $8,000 | $930 per person | $15,000 |
| Head of Household | $8,000 | $930 per person | $22,500 |
Federal Tax Withholding
In addition to Virginia state taxes, federal income tax applies to all workers. The federal tax system uses seven brackets that apply progressively, meaning each dollar is only taxed at the rate for the bracket it falls in. The 2025 federal brackets are:
| Single Filer | Married Filing Jointly | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 to $11,925 | $0 to $23,850 | 10% |
| $11,926 to $48,475 | $23,851 to $96,950 | 12% |
| $48,476 to $103,350 | $96,951 to $206,700 | 22% |
| $103,351 to $197,300 | $206,701 to $394,600 | 24% |
| $197,301 to $250,525 | $394,601 to $501,050 | 32% |
| $250,526 to $626,350 | $501,051 to $751,600 | 35% |
| Over $626,350 | Over $751,600 | 37% |
The federal standard deduction for 2025 is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly. These amounts reduce your taxable income before brackets are applied. Your employer withholds federal tax each pay period based on your W-4 selections.
Federal Bracket Deep Dive
Many Virginia workers are confused by the interaction between federal and state taxes. Here is how federal brackets work using the same $75,000 single filer example.
Federal Calculation for $75,000 Single Filer
Start with gross income of $75,000. Subtract the federal standard deduction of $15,000. Federal taxable income = $60,000.
Total federal income tax = $1,192.50 + $4,386.00 + $2,535.50 = $8,114.00. The marginal federal rate is 22%, but the effective federal rate on gross income is only 10.8%. This gap between marginal and effective rates is a important concept that many people misunderstand.
Combined with the Virginia state tax of $3,542, FICA of $5,738, the total deductions come to approximately $17,394. Take-home pay on a $75,000 salary is approximately $57,606, or about $2,216 per bi-weekly paycheck.
Key Insight: A Virginia worker earning $75,000 keeps about 76.8% of their gross pay after all taxes. The combined effective tax rate of 23.2% is significantly lower than what many people expect based on marginal rates alone.
FICA: Social Security and Medicare
FICA taxes fund Social Security and Medicare. Every worker in Virginia pays these regardless of state tax rules. FICA is not a voluntary contribution and cannot be reduced through deductions or filing status choices:
Social Security Tax
- Rate: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2025 wage base)
- Your employer matches this with an additional 6.2%
- Maximum employee contribution: $10,918.20 per year
- Wages above $176,100 are not subject to Social Security tax
- The wage base increases annually based on the National Average Wage Index
Medicare Tax
- Rate: 1.45% on all wages with no cap
- Your employer matches this with an additional 1.45%
- Additional Medicare Tax: 0.9% on wages exceeding $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly)
- The employer does not match the additional 0.9% surtax
FICA Impact by Salary Level
| Annual Salary | Social Security | Medicare | Total FICA | FICA as % of Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,480 | $580 | $3,060 | 7.65% |
| $75,000 | $4,650 | $1,088 | $5,738 | 7.65% |
| $100,000 | $6,200 | $1,450 | $7,650 | 7.65% |
| $150,000 | $9,300 | $2,175 | $11,475 | 7.65% |
| $200,000 | $10,918 | $2,900 | $13,818 | 6.91% |
| $250,000 | $10,918 | $4,075 | $14,993 | 6.00% |
Notice that the FICA percentage drops above $176,100 because Social Security tax stops at the wage base. For very high earners, FICA becomes a smaller percentage of total income, though the Additional Medicare Tax partially offsets this at $200,000 and above.
Virginia Deductions and Exemptions
Virginia offers its own set of deductions and exemptions separate from the federal system. Understanding these is important for precise Virginia tax planning:
Standard Deduction
- Single filers: $8,000
- Married filing jointly: $16,000
- Married filing separately: $8,000 each
Personal Exemptions
- $930 per taxpayer (yourself)
- $930 per spouse (if filing jointly)
- $930 per qualifying dependent
- Example: A married couple with three children receives 5 x $930 = $4,650 in personal exemptions
Itemized Deductions
Virginia allows itemization using most of the same categories as federal itemized deductions. Common Virginia itemized deductions include mortgage interest, charitable contributions, state and local property taxes, and medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of federal adjusted gross income. Unlike the federal system, Virginia does not impose a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions since you would not deduct Virginia income tax from your Virginia return anyway.
Age Deduction
- Available to taxpayers age 65 and older
- Maximum deduction: $12,000
- Reduced for taxpayers with federal AGI above $50,000 (single) or $75,000 (joint)
- Eliminated for income above $75,000 (single) or $100,000 (joint)
Total Deduction Impact
The combination of Virginia's standard deduction and personal exemptions means that a married couple with two children has $19,720 removed from taxable income before state brackets apply ($16,000 standard deduction + $3,720 in exemptions for four persons). This is a meaningful reduction that lowers the effective state tax rate for families. A single individual with no dependents gets $8,930 in total deductions ($8,000 + $930).
Check your latest Virginia tax forms or visit the Virginia Department of Taxation for the most current figures and any legislative updates.
Pay Frequency Breakdown
How often you get paid does not change your annual tax burden, but it affects the size of each paycheck and your cash flow planning. Here is how a $75,000 salary breaks down by pay frequency:
| Frequency | Periods/Year | Gross Per Period | Est. Net Per Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | $1,442.31 | $1,108 |
| Bi-Weekly | 26 | $2,884.62 | $2,216 |
| Semi-Monthly | 24 | $3,125.00 | $2,401 |
| Monthly | 12 | $6,250.00 | $4,801 |
Most Virginia employers pay on a bi-weekly schedule, which results in 26 paychecks per year. Federal and state taxes are withheld proportionally from each period. Bi-weekly pay results in a "third paycheck" month twice per year, which many financial planners recommend using for extra savings, debt payments, or retirement contributions.
Virginia Salary Comparison Table
The table below shows estimated annual take-home pay at various salary levels for a single filer in Virginia with no dependents and no pre-tax deductions. These figures include federal tax, Virginia state tax, and FICA.
| Gross Salary | Federal Tax | VA State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $1,894 | $1,260 | $2,678 | $29,168 | 16.7% |
| $45,000 | $3,094 | $1,835 | $3,443 | $36,628 | 18.6% |
| $55,000 | $4,486 | $2,410 | $4,208 | $43,896 | 20.2% |
| $65,000 | $5,886 | $2,985 | $4,973 | $51,156 | 21.3% |
| $75,000 | $7,286 | $3,560 | $5,738 | $58,416 | 22.1% |
| $100,000 | $11,786 | $4,998 | $7,650 | $75,566 | 24.4% |
| $125,000 | $17,036 | $6,435 | $9,563 | $91,966 | 26.4% |
| $150,000 | $22,536 | $7,873 | $11,475 | $108,116 | 27.9% |
| $200,000 | $35,036 | $10,748 | $14,528 | $139,688 | 30.2% |
| $250,000 | $48,036 | $13,623 | $16,068 | $172,273 | 31.1% |
These are estimates based on 2025 rates and the standard deduction. Your actual take-home pay will vary based on your specific filing status, deductions, and withholding elections.
Industry Salaries in Virginia
Virginia has a strong and varied economy, heavily influenced by federal government contracting, technology, military installations, and a growing private sector. Here are average salaries by industry based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and industry surveys:
| Industry | Average Salary | Est. Take-Home | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Government / Defense | $98,500 | $74,200 | DoD, CIA, FBI, NSA |
| Information Technology | $112,000 | $83,100 | Amazon HQ2, Microsoft |
| Cybersecurity | $118,000 | $86,800 | Booz Allen, Leidos, SAIC |
| Healthcare / Hospitals | $72,000 | $56,300 | Inova, Sentara, VCU Health |
| Education (K-12 Teachers) | $58,500 | $46,500 | Fairfax County, LCPS |
| Retail and Hospitality | $32,000 | $27,200 | Various chains, tourism |
| Construction / Trades | $52,000 | $41,800 | Infrastructure projects |
| Finance and Insurance | $89,000 | $67,600 | Capital One, Freddie Mac |
| Logistics and Transportation | $48,000 | $38,900 | Port of Virginia, Amazon |
| Professional Consulting | $105,000 | $78,500 | Deloitte, Accenture, CGI |
| Law / Legal Services | $95,000 | $71,800 | D.C. metro law firms |
| Biotechnology / Pharma | $92,000 | $69,600 | Emergent BioSolutions |
| Real Estate | $68,000 | $53,800 | Residential and commercial |
| Manufacturing | $56,000 | $44,800 | Newport News Shipbuilding |
For detailed occupation-level wage data, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia.
Northern Virginia Salary Data
Northern Virginia deserves special attention because it represents the highest-earning region in the state and one of the wealthiest areas in the entire United States. The D.C. metro area drives salaries substantially higher than the rest of Virginia.
NoVA Average Salaries by Role
| Role | Average Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $135,000 | $95,000 - $200,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $115,000 | $80,000 - $165,000 |
| Federal Contract Manager | $105,000 | $75,000 - $145,000 |
| Data Scientist | $128,000 | $90,000 - $180,000 |
| Project Manager (IT) | $120,000 | $85,000 - $160,000 |
| Systems Administrator | $95,000 | $65,000 - $130,000 |
| Registered Nurse | $82,000 | $60,000 - $105,000 |
| Teacher (Fairfax County) | $72,000 | $52,000 - $110,000 |
| Accountant / CPA | $85,000 | $55,000 - $125,000 |
| Marketing Manager | $98,000 | $65,000 - $140,000 |
Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Arlington County consistently rank among the highest-income counties in the nation. The presence of Amazon's HQ2 in Arlington has further increased competition for tech talent and pushed salaries higher across the region. Security clearance holders command a premium of 10-25% above non-cleared equivalents in the same roles.
Self-Employment Taxes in Virginia
If you work for yourself in Virginia, whether as a freelancer, independent contractor, sole proprietor, or LLC member, your tax situation differs from a W-2 employee in several significant ways:
Self-Employment Tax (FICA Equivalent)
- You pay both the employee and employer share of FICA, totaling 15.3% on net self-employment income
- Breakdown: 12.4% Social Security (on income up to $176,100) + 2.9% Medicare (on all income)
- Additional Medicare Tax: 0.9% on net self-employment income above $200,000
- You can deduct 50% of the self-employment tax from your adjusted gross income
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
Virginia requires quarterly estimated tax payments if you expect to owe $150 or more in state taxes. Federal quarterly payments are also required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more.
| Period | Federal Due Date | Virginia Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | April 15 | May 1 |
| Q2 (Apr-May) | June 16 | June 15 |
| Q3 (Jun-Aug) | September 15 | September 15 |
| Q4 (Sep-Dec) | January 15 (next year) | January 15 (next year) |
Business Deductions for Virginia Self-Employed Workers
- Home office deduction: Simplified method ($5/sq ft up to 300 sq ft = $1,500 max) or actual expenses
- Vehicle expenses: Standard mileage rate or actual costs for business use
- Health insurance premiums: Fully deductible as an adjustment to income
- Retirement contributions: SEP-IRA (up to 25% of net income), Solo 401(k) ($23,500 employee + 25% employer in 2025)
- Business equipment and supplies: Section 179 deduction or depreciation
- Professional development, software subscriptions, and business travel
Self-Employment Tax Example
A freelance consultant in Virginia earning $120,000 net after business deductions:
Self-employed Virginia workers should plan for a combined effective rate of 28-40% depending on income level. Setting aside at least 30% of net income for taxes is a standard recommendation. Consult the IRS Self-Employed resource page for federal guidance.
Virginia vs. Other States
Understanding how Virginia compares to surrounding states helps with financial planning:
| State | Top Income Tax Rate | Local Income Tax? | Sales Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 5.75% | No | 5.3% | 4 brackets, stable rates |
| Maryland | 5.75% | Yes (up to 3.2%) | 6% | County surtaxes push combined to 8.95% |
| Washington D.C. | 10.75% | N/A | 6% | Progressive 6-bracket system |
| North Carolina | 4.5% | No | 4.75% | Flat rate, declining |
| West Virginia | 5.12% | No | 6% | Being phased down |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% | Yes (up to 3.9%) | 6% | Flat rate, local taxes add up |
| Tennessee | 0% | No | 7% | No income tax |
| Florida | 0% | No | 6% | No income tax |
| Texas | 0% | No | 6.25% | No income tax, high property taxes |
Take-Home Comparison at $100,000 (Single Filer)
| State | State/Local Tax | Est. Take-Home (all taxes) |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $4,998 | $75,566 |
| Maryland (Montgomery Co.) | $7,898 | $72,666 |
| Washington D.C. | $6,200 | $74,364 |
| North Carolina | $3,825 | $76,739 |
| Florida | $0 | $80,564 |
Virginia is competitively positioned in the mid-Atlantic. Its lack of local income taxes gives it a clear advantage over Maryland. Virginia has reciprocity agreements with D.C., Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
Virginia Cost of Living
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Virginia's cost of living varies dramatically by region:
Northern Virginia (NoVA)
Among the most expensive areas in the U.S. Median home prices exceed $600,000 in Fairfax County and approach $750,000 in Arlington. Loudoun County has climbed to $650,000. Rent averages $2,100-$2,500 per month for a one-bedroom. However, salaries are 30-50% higher than the state average, and the presence of Amazon HQ2, federal agencies, and defense contractors supports premium compensation.
Richmond Metro
Moderate cost of living with median home prices around $340,000. Strong job market in healthcare, finance, and state government. Rent averages $1,300-$1,600 for a one-bedroom. Richmond offers a strong balance between affordability and career opportunities.
Hampton Roads
Below-average costs with median homes around $290,000. Military and port industries dominate, with Naval Station Norfolk being the world's largest naval base. Newport News Shipbuilding is a major employer. Rent averages $1,100-$1,400.
Charlottesville
University-driven economy centered on UVA. Median home prices around $420,000, higher than expected for a smaller metro area. Quality of life is high but the job market is more limited outside academia and healthcare.
Southwest Virginia
Lowest cost of living in the state, with median home prices as low as $150,000-$200,000. Correspondingly lower average salaries. The region is transitioning from coal dependence to healthcare, education, and technology.
Cost of Living Index by Region
| Region | Cost Index (100 = National Avg) | Median Home Price | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington/Alexandria | 148 | $740,000 | $122,000 |
| Fairfax County | 142 | $625,000 | $133,000 |
| Loudoun County | 137 | $650,000 | $147,000 |
| Richmond Metro | 98 | $340,000 | $74,000 |
| Virginia Beach | 95 | $310,000 | $76,000 |
| Roanoke | 87 | $230,000 | $55,000 |
| Lynchburg | 84 | $215,000 | $50,000 |
When evaluating a Virginia job offer, always consider the regional cost of living alongside the salary. A $90,000 salary in Richmond may provide more purchasing power than $120,000 in Arlington.
Retirement Income in Virginia
Virginia's treatment of retirement income matters for workers planning ahead or already drawing from retirement accounts:
What Virginia Taxes
- 401(k) and 403(b) distributions: Taxed at standard Virginia rates
- Traditional IRA distributions: Taxed at standard Virginia rates
- Pension income: Taxed at standard Virginia rates
- Military retirement pay: Partially exempt, up to $40,000 subtraction for retirees age 55+
What Virginia Exempts
- Social Security benefits: Fully exempt from Virginia income tax
- Railroad Retirement benefits: Fully exempt
- Virginia National Guard pension: Exempt
Age Deduction for Seniors
Virginia provides an age deduction for taxpayers age 65 or older. The maximum deduction is $12,000 but phases out between $50,000 and $75,000 of federal adjusted gross income for single filers. This reduces Virginia taxable income and can meaningfully lower the tax burden for retirees with moderate incomes.
For retirees considering Virginia versus other states, the full exemption of Social Security benefits is a significant advantage. However, states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee tax no income at all, making them more favorable for retirees with large 401(k) or pension distributions.
Virginia Tax Credits and Benefits
Beyond deductions, Virginia offers several tax credits that directly reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar:
Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Virginia matches 20% of the federal EITC. For a single filer with one child earning $28,000, the federal EITC might be $3,995, making the Virginia credit approximately $799. This credit is refundable, meaning you receive it even if you owe no Virginia tax.
Credit for Taxes Paid to Other States
If you live in Virginia but earn income in another state that taxes the income, Virginia provides a credit to prevent double taxation. The credit is the lesser of the tax paid to the other state or the Virginia tax on that income.
Land Preservation Tax Credit
Virginia offers a generous credit for land conservation easements equal to 40% of the fair market value. The credit is capped at $20,000 per year but can be carried forward for 13 years. Excess credits can also be sold to other Virginia taxpayers.
Other Virginia Credits
- Low-Income Individuals Credit: Up to $300 for single filers with taxable income below $11,950
- Political Contribution Credit: Up to $25 for contributions to Virginia candidates
- Neighborhood Assistance Act Credit: For contributions to approved organizations serving impoverished areas
- Worker Retraining Credit: For employers providing eligible retraining programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Virginia state tax calculated on my paycheck?
Virginia uses a progressive system. Your employer subtracts allowances and exemptions from your gross pay, then applies the four-bracket rates (2%, 3%, 5%, 5.75%) to the resulting taxable amount. The tax is withheld proportionally each pay period based on your VA-4 withholding form.
Do I need to file a Virginia return if I work remotely for an out-of-state employer?
If you live in Virginia and work remotely, you owe Virginia state tax on your income regardless of where your employer is located. Virginia taxes residents on worldwide income. You may receive credits for taxes paid to other states if you also file in a state where your employer is based.
What is the Virginia VA-4 form?
The VA-4 is Virginia's equivalent of the federal W-4. You submit it to your employer to determine how much Virginia state tax to withhold from each paycheck. You claim exemptions for yourself, your spouse, and dependents to adjust withholding.
Does Virginia have a reciprocity agreement with neighboring states?
Yes. Virginia has reciprocity agreements with Washington D.C., Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. If you live in Virginia and work in one of these states, you only pay income tax to Virginia. File Form VA-4 with your employer and claim exemption from the work state's withholding.
When are Virginia state taxes due?
Virginia returns are due May 1, different from the federal April 15 deadline. Extensions push the deadline to November 1, but any tax owed is still due by May 1.
How does Virginia's tax system compare to a flat tax state?
While Virginia technically has four brackets, the practical effect is nearly flat for most workers. The top rate of 5.75% starts at just $17,000 of taxable income. The lower brackets save a maximum of $720 compared to a pure flat 5.75% rate.
What happens if I move to or from Virginia during the year?
Part-year residents file Virginia Form 760PY. You are taxed on all income earned while a Virginia resident, plus any Virginia-source income earned while a non-resident. Tax is prorated based on the ratio of Virginia income to total income.
Can I deduct my 401(k) contributions from Virginia income?
Yes. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your gross income for both federal and Virginia state tax. A $23,500 annual contribution saves approximately $1,351 in Virginia state tax at the 5.75% rate, in addition to federal tax savings.
References and Resources
- Virginia Department of Taxation -- Official tax rates, forms, and filing information
- IRS Tax Withholding Estimator -- Federal withholding guidance and W-4 help
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia Wages -- Occupation-level salary data
- Social Security Wage Base -- Current and historical FICA limits
- Virginia Tax Code (Title 58.1) -- Full text of Virginia tax statutes
Looking for more state-specific tools? Try these:
Video Guide
Community Questions
What are the Virginia income tax brackets for 2025?
Virginia has four brackets: 2% on the first $3,000, 3% on $3,001-$5,000, 5% on $5,001-$17,000, and 5.75% on all income above $17,000. These brackets have not been adjusted for inflation in years, so most Virginia workers with moderate income pay the top 5.75% rate on the majority of their taxable income.
Does Virginia have local income taxes?
No. Unlike neighboring Maryland, Virginia does not impose separate local or county income taxes on wages. However, Virginia does have personal property taxes on vehicles and business tangible property, which vary by locality and can be significant.
How does Virginia compare to Maryland for take-home pay?
Virginia generally offers better take-home pay than Maryland at most income levels. Maryland's top state rate is 5.75% (same as Virginia), but Maryland counties add 2.25% to 3.20% in local income tax. A worker earning $100,000 in Virginia keeps approximately $2,500-$3,200 more per year than the same worker in most Maryland counties.
Original Research: Virginia Salary by Industry and Region
I compiled this data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and Virginia Employment Commission reports. Last updated March 2026.
| Industry | Average Salary | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Government (NoVA) | $105,000 | $78,200 |
| Defense Contracting | $125,000 | $91,400 |
| Technology (Reston/Tysons) | $140,000 | $101,200 |
| Healthcare | $72,000 | $55,800 |
| Military (Hampton Roads) | $55,000 | $44,200 |
| Education (K-12) | $58,000 | $46,400 |
| Agriculture (Shenandoah) | $38,000 | $32,100 |