How Montana state tax withholding works
Montana taxes wage income, so your employer withholds Montana income tax from each paycheck in addition to federal tax. You tell your employer how much to withhold on Form MW-4 (Montana Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate), the state’s counterpart to the federal Form W-4.
For 2026, Montana uses graduated tax rates. Each rate applies only to the income within its band — the single-filer schedule is:
| Rate | Taxable income over |
|---|---|
| 4.7% | $0 |
| 5.65% | $47,500 |
Montana’s standard deduction is $16,100 (single) and $32,200 (married filing jointly).
Enter your pay above to see your estimated Montana withholding per paycheck and per year, alongside your federal withholding and the exact W-4 entries.
Montana vs. federal withholding
Your Montana and federal withholding are figured separately. Federal withholding follows the IRS Publication 15-T tables and your Form W-4; Montana withholding follows the state’s own rates and your Form MW-4. Getting one right doesn’t guarantee the other — this calculator handles both so you don’t owe a surprise bill to either the IRS or Montana.
Important Montana notes
- Montana reduced its top marginal rate to 5.65% for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Sources & disclaimer
Federal figures use the 2026 IRS Publication 15-T. Montana withholding is based on the 2026 Montana income-tax structure; confirm exact figures and complete Form MW-4 at the mtrevenue.gov website.
This tool provides estimates for educational purposes and is not tax advice. State withholding is modeled from the state’s income-tax rules and may differ from the exact wage-bracket tables your employer uses. Verify against your pay stub and consult a qualified tax professional before submitting your W-4 or Form MW-4.