Your Pay Details
Your Take-Home Pay
| Gross Pay | $0 |
| Federal Income Tax | –$0 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | –$0 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | –$0 |
| Delaware State Tax | –$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $0 |
| ⚠ Local & City Income Tax may apply | |
Wilmington City Wage Tax
Wilmington is the only city in Delaware with a local income tax. Both residents of Wilmington and non-residents who work within Wilmington city limits pay a flat wage tax of 1.25% on earned income.
If you live and work in Wilmington, the 1.25% is withheld from your paycheck by your employer. If you live in Wilmington but work elsewhere, you still owe the city tax on wages earned outside the city (filed on your annual Wilmington return). If you work in Wilmington but live in the suburbs, your employer should withhold and remit the non-resident rate.
No other city in Delaware has a local income tax. If you live and work outside Wilmington, the calculator above reflects your full Delaware tax picture.
How Your Delaware Paycheck Works
Delaware has a graduated income tax with seven brackets ranging from 2.2% to 6.6%. Delaware has no sales tax, which partially offsets the income tax burden.
Federal Income Tax
Calculated using 2025 federal brackets from 10% to 37%, applied to taxable income after the standard deduction.
Social Security
6.2% of gross pay up to $176,100. Funds the Social Security retirement and disability program.
Medicare
1.45% of all gross pay. High earners over $200K pay an additional 0.9% surtax.
Delaware State Tax
Delaware uses graduated income tax brackets ranging from 0%–6.6%. Lower incomes pay lower rates.
2025 Delaware State Tax Brackets
Here are the Delaware income tax brackets for single filers in 2025.
| Rate | Taxable Income (Single) |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 – $2,000 |
| 2.20% | $2,001 – $5,000 |
| 3.90% | $5,001 – $10,000 |
| 4.80% | $10,001 – $20,000 |
| 5.20% | $20,001 – $25,000 |
| 5.55% | $25,001 – $60,000 |
| 6.60% | $60,001+ |
Major Cities in Delaware
Whether you live in Wilmington, Dover, or anywhere else in Delaware, state tax rates apply uniformly — your city does not change your paycheck calculation. Local taxes and cost of living vary by city, as shown below.
* Population from U.S. Census estimates. Home prices and rent are 2023–2024 estimates. Local income tax applies to residents unless noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delaware's state income tax rate?
Delaware has graduated income tax rates ranging from 0%–6.6%. The rate you pay depends on your taxable income after deductions.
How much of my paycheck goes to taxes in Delaware?
A single filer earning $55,000/year in Delaware typically pays an effective state rate well below the top bracket rate. Combined with federal taxes and FICA, total deductions typically run 25–33% of gross pay.
What is FICA and how much is it?
FICA covers Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100) and Medicare (1.45% with no cap). Together that is 7.65% of gross pay, paid by every US worker regardless of state.
How do pre-tax deductions like a 401(k) reduce my taxes?
Pre-tax deductions reduce both your federal and state taxable income. A $5,000 annual 401(k) contribution can save hundreds in combined federal and state taxes.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator uses 2025 federal and state tax brackets. Results are estimates — your actual paycheck may vary based on W-4 elections, employer deductions, and local taxes not included here.