How Paycheck Taxes Work in Tennessee
How paycheck taxes work in Tennessee: Because Tennessee has no state income tax, your paycheck deductions are primarily federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Tennessee fully repealed its Hall Tax on investment income. Wage earners pay only federal income tax and FICA on their paychecks.
Tennessee State Tax Information
Tennessee has no tax on wages or earned income.
Tennessee fully repealed its Hall Tax on investment income. Wage earners pay only federal income tax and FICA on their paychecks.
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).