How Paycheck Taxes Work in Louisiana
How paycheck taxes work in Louisiana: Your employer withholds federal income tax based on your W-4, then Louisiana state income tax using state withholding tables. Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are also deducted from each paycheck. Louisiana uses a flat 3% individual income tax rate for 2026, and the combined personal exemption-standard deduction is $12,500 for single filers and double that amount for joint and head of household filers.
Louisiana State Tax Information
Louisiana uses a flat 3% individual income tax rate.
Louisiana uses a flat 3% individual income tax rate for 2026, and the combined personal exemption-standard deduction is $12,500 for single filers and double that amount for joint and head of household filers.
Federal Income Tax
Federal income tax uses progressive brackets — higher income is taxed at higher rates. The standard deduction reduces your taxable income before brackets apply. Your W-4 determines how much your employer withholds each pay period.
Social Security
Social Security tax (FICA) is 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026). Both employee and employer pay this amount; this calculator shows the employee portion.
Medicare
Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages with no cap. High earners pay an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).