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 Tennessee fully repealed its Hall Tax on investment income.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Tennessee fully repealed its Hall Tax on investment income.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.
Tennessee can look attractive in salary comparisons because there is no state income tax on wages, but real take-home pay can still change with local taxes, benefits, and federal withholding.
Federal Income Tax
Federal income tax uses progressive brackets: higher income is taxed at higher rates, not all at one rate. The standard deduction reduces taxable income before brackets apply, and your W-4 affects how much is withheld through the year.
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).