How Wisconsin state tax withholding works
Wisconsin taxes wage income, so your employer withholds Wisconsin income tax from each paycheck in addition to federal tax. You tell your employer how much to withhold on Form WT-4 (Employee's Wisconsin Withholding Exemption Certificate), the state’s counterpart to the federal Form W-4.
For 2026, Wisconsin uses graduated tax rates. Each rate applies only to the income within its band — the single-filer schedule is:
| Rate | Taxable income over |
|---|---|
| 3.5% | $0 |
| 4.4% | $15,110 |
| 5.3% | $51,950 |
| 7.65% | $332,720 |
Wisconsin’s standard deduction is $13,960 (single) and $25,840 (married filing jointly).
Enter your pay above to see your estimated Wisconsin withholding per paycheck and per year, alongside your federal withholding and the exact W-4 entries.
Wisconsin vs. federal withholding
Your Wisconsin and federal withholding are figured separately. Federal withholding follows the IRS Publication 15-T tables and your Form W-4; Wisconsin withholding follows the state’s own rates and your Form WT-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 Wisconsin.
Important Wisconsin notes
- Wisconsin’s standard deduction phases out as income rises; this estimate uses the full amount.
Frequently asked questions
Sources & disclaimer
Federal figures use the 2026 IRS Publication 15-T. Wisconsin withholding is based on the 2026 Wisconsin income-tax structure; confirm exact figures and complete Form WT-4 at the revenue.wi.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 WT-4.
