Key Tax Facts: Wisconsin
- Top rate of 7.65% on income above $315,310 (joint)
- Retirement income is generally taxable, unlike many neighboring states
- Social Security is exempt for most filers based on income
- Long-term capital gains may qualify for a 30% exclusion
Wisconsin State Income Tax Overview
Wisconsin uses a graduated income tax with four brackets ranging from 3.5% to 7.65% for 2024. Single filers pay 3.5% on income up to $13,810 and reach the top 7.65% rate on income above $304,170. Wisconsin provides a standard deduction that phases out at higher income levels - $13,560 for single filers and $25,110 for married couples at lower incomes, phasing to zero at higher incomes. The state taxes Social Security income but provides a partial subtraction for lower-income retirees. Wisconsin allows a deduction for contributions to Wisconsin 529 college savings accounts and offers a homestead credit for lower-income residents who own or rent their home.
Wisconsin Income Tax Brackets (Single Filers, 2025)
These are the Wisconsin state income tax brackets for single filers. Married-filing-jointly brackets use wider income thresholds. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate -- not your entire income.
| Taxable Income (Single) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $14,680 | 3.5% |
| $14,680 - $29,370 | 4.4% |
| $29,370 - $323,290 | 5.3% |
| Over $323,290 | 7.65% |
Source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Brackets shown are for single filers; married-filing-jointly thresholds are wider.
What a Wisconsin Resident Actually Pays: A Worked Example
Your effective tax rate is almost always lower than your top bracket. Here is how the math works for a single filer earning $65,000.
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Frequently Asked Questions -- Wisconsin Income Tax
Does Wisconsin have a state income tax?
Yes. Wisconsin imposes a state income tax with a top marginal rate of 7.65%. This is separate from your federal income tax obligation.
What is the Wisconsin income tax rate for 2025?
Wisconsin uses a graduated income tax system with rates from 3.5% to 7.65%. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate -- not your entire income.
Do I have to file a Wisconsin state tax return?
Most full-year Wisconsin residents with income above the state filing threshold must file a state return. Check the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for current thresholds and requirements.
How accurate is this estimate?
This is a planning estimate of your federal income tax only. It does not calculate Wisconsin state tax, and it does not account for state deductions, credits, exemptions, or local taxes. Use the Wisconsin rate schedule above as a reference, and verify with official Wisconsin tax forms or a qualified tax professional.
Does this calculator include federal income tax?
Yes. The calculator estimates your 2025 federal income tax using the official IRS 2025 brackets. It does not compute your Wisconsin state tax -- see the Wisconsin rate schedule below to work that out.
Where can I find official Wisconsin tax forms?
Official forms, instructions, and filing guidance are available at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
What is the sales tax rate in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's combined state and average local sales tax rate is 5.43%. This is separate from income tax and applies to most retail purchases -- use our sales tax calculator to check a specific purchase.
When are Wisconsin 2025 state taxes due?
2025 taxes are generally filed in 2026. The Wisconsin filing deadline is April 15, 2026, the same as the federal deadline.
Understanding Your Wisconsin Tax Estimate
Your results combine two separate bills: federal tax owed to the IRS, and Wisconsin state tax owed to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The state return is filed separately from your federal Form 1040, with a state filing deadline of April 15. For the mechanics of how bracket math actually works -- why your effective rate is almost always lower than your top bracket -- see our marginal vs. effective tax rate guide.
Lowering Your Wisconsin Bill
Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce your federal and Wisconsin taxable income in the same move -- see our 401(k) contribution limits and HSA limits guides for the current caps. Beyond that, Wisconsin-specific credits and deductions that don't exist at the federal level are listed at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue -- worth checking, since these are easy to miss if you only look at federal guidance.
Combined Sales + Income Tax Picture
Wisconsin's combined state-plus-average-local sales tax rate is 5.43%. If you're self-employed, that's an added layer on top of income tax -- our self-employment tax calculator covers the SE-specific piece separately.
Disclaimer: Estimates for educational purposes only. State tax results are approximations based on published bracket data and do not account for all deductions, credits, exemptions, local taxes, or individual situations. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.