Delaware rules
How Delaware taxes your salary after federal deductions in 2026
Delaware income tax: 0% to 6.6%
The Delaware Division of Revenue administers seven brackets. The structure is unique in starting at literally 0% on the first $2,000 of taxable income, then climbing through narrow bands to a top rate of 6.6% above $60,000. The state standard deduction is a modest $3,250 (single).
| Rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 – $2,000 |
| 2.2% | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 3.9% | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| 4.8% | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 5.2% | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| 5.55% | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| 6.6% | Over $60,000 |
2026 brackets after Delaware standard deduction ($3,250 single / $6,500 married). Source: DE Division of Revenue, Tax Foundation 2026.
No sales tax: the Delaware advantage
Delaware is one of five states with no general sales tax. Every purchase costs exactly its listed price, from a cup of coffee to a car. For shoppers, this is a tangible daily savings. Delaware's tax-free shopping draws cross-border spending from neighboring Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, and it means your take-home pay stretches further at the register.
Wilmington city wage tax
Wilmington imposes a city wage tax of 1.25% on income earned within the city. If you work in Wilmington, this additional tax appears on your paycheck. The calculator above does not include the Wilmington wage tax; if it applies to you, subtract an additional 1.25% of your wages from the result.
Delaware salary after taxes: worked examples
Below is a side-by-side breakdown for three salary levels in Delaware, assuming single filing status with no pre-tax deferrals.
| Gross salary | Federal tax | FICA | DE state | Take-home | Keep % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | -$5,020 | -$4,590 | -$2,763 | $47,627 | 79.4% |
| $100,000 | -$13,170 | -$7,650 | -$5,369 | $73,811 | 73.8% |
| $150,000 | -$24,734 | -$11,475 | -$8,669 | $105,122 | 70.1% |
Federal tax uses 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single). FICA = 6.2% SS (up to $184,500) + 1.45% Medicare. DE state tax per bracket table above. Figures rounded to nearest dollar.
Delaware's 0% starting bracket means the first $2,000 of taxable income is completely untaxed at the state level. At $60,000, the state tax is $2,763 (4.6% of gross), with most income above $60K subject to the top 6.6% rate. At $150,000, the state tax is $8,669 (5.8% of gross). These figures do not include the Wilmington wage tax; workers in Wilmington should add approximately 1.25% of gross wages to the state tax figure.
How to maximize your take-home in Delaware
Delaware's no-sales-tax environment already stretches your take-home pay. Every purchase costs its sticker price, saving roughly 6% to 8% compared to neighboring states. For a household spending $40,000 a year on taxable goods, that is $2,400 to $3,200 in annual savings that never appears on your paycheck but effectively increases your purchasing power.
Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your Delaware taxable income. At the 6.6% top marginal rate, a $23,500 deferral saves about $1,550 in state tax, plus roughly $5,200 in federal tax. HSA contributions add another layer of pre-tax shelter.
If you work in Wilmington, the 1.25% city wage tax applies to your earnings. If you have the flexibility to work outside city limits, you avoid this additional tax entirely. Employers located just outside Wilmington in unincorporated New Castle County are not subject to the Wilmington wage tax.
How Delaware compares to other high-tax states
Delaware's take-home at $100,000 ($73,811) is mid-pack among these ten states, slightly above Minnesota ($73,903) and Connecticut ($74,430). However, the no-sales-tax benefit adds hidden value that paycheck comparisons miss. If you spend $35,000 a year on taxable goods, the 0% sales tax saves roughly $2,100 to $2,800 compared to states with 6% to 8% sales tax. Add that back and Delaware's effective after-all-taxes position improves substantially. This is why Delaware is often ranked as a moderate-tax state despite having six income tax brackets.
Filing status matters in Delaware
The calculator above supports Single, Married Filing Jointly and Head of Household. Married filers in Delaware generally benefit from wider bracket thresholds, so a couple with $150,000 in combined income pays less state tax than two single filers each earning $75,000. Head of Household filers, typically single parents, also receive wider thresholds. Always check the correct filing status for your situation because it affects both your federal and Delaware state tax simultaneously.
Also see: Delaware salary calculator for an interactive comparison with other states.
Questions
Delaware salary after taxes FAQ
What is the Delaware income tax rate for 2026?
Delaware has seven brackets ranging from 0% on the first $2,000 to 6.6% above $60,000. The 0% starting bracket means the first slice of income is untaxed at the state level. A standard deduction of $3,250 (single) is applied first.
Does Delaware have a sales tax?
No. Delaware is one of five states with no general sales tax. Purchases are priced at face value, which effectively increases the buying power of your take-home pay.
How much salary do you keep after taxes in Delaware?
On a $100,000 single-filer salary, you keep approximately $74,100 after federal income tax, FICA and Delaware state income tax in 2026.
What is the Wilmington city wage tax?
Wilmington imposes a 1.25% wage tax on income earned within the city limits. This is separate from the state income tax and applies to both residents and non-residents who work in Wilmington.
How does Delaware compare to Maryland?
Delaware has no sales tax and a lower top income tax rate (6.6% vs. Maryland's 5.75% plus 2.25%–3.20% county tax). On a $100,000 salary, Delaware produces about $2,000 more in take-home pay than Maryland with a high county rate.
Does Delaware have local income taxes beyond Wilmington?
No. Wilmington is the only municipality in Delaware that levies a local income tax. Other cities and counties do not impose additional income taxes.
Can I reduce my Delaware tax with a 401(k)?
Yes. Delaware follows federal treatment of pre-tax 401(k) contributions. A $23,500 deferral reduces your Delaware taxable income and can save roughly $1,500 in state tax.
What is the effective tax rate on $150,000 in Delaware?
A single filer earning $150,000 pays roughly $41,800 in total taxes (federal + FICA + DE state), for an effective total rate of about 27.8%. The DE state portion alone is approximately $5,700, an effective state rate of about 3.8%.
- Sources: Delaware Division of Revenue (2026 brackets) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · Tax Foundation 2026 state rates.
- 🔄 Last updated 2026-07-28 · Tax year 2026
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