Minnesota Paycheck Calculator

How to Use This Minnesota Paycheck Calculator

This Minnesota paycheck calculator estimates your 2026 net take-home pay after federal income tax, Minnesota state income tax (progressive 5.35%–9.85%), Social Security, and Medicare. The state is locked to Minnesota; use the generic paycheck calculator for other states.

Enter your gross salary or hourly wage, filing status, pay frequency, and any pre-tax deductions (401(k), HSA, health insurance). Results update instantly with a full per-paycheck breakdown.

How Minnesota State Income Tax Works

Minnesota uses a progressive bracket systemwith four rates ranging from 5.35% to 9.85% in 2026. Like the federal system, only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate — earning more does not retroactively increase tax on lower-tier income.

Minnesota calculates state income tax as follows:

1. Start with Minnesota taxable income — generally federal AGI, adjusted for Minnesota-specific additions and subtractions.
2. Subtract the Minnesota standard deduction — $14,575 (single) or $29,150 (married jointly) for 2026, close to but slightly below the federal amounts.
3. Apply progressive brackets — 5.35% on the first $33,310, 6.8% on $33,310–$109,430, 7.85% on $109,430–$203,150, and 9.85% on income above $203,150 (all for single filers; MFJ brackets are roughly double).

Minnesota's High Top Rate

Minnesota's 9.85% top rate is the fourth-highest state income tax rate in the US, behind California (13.3%), Hawaii (11%), and New Jersey (10.75%). It kicks in at $203,150 for single filers and $337,930 for married filing jointly — relatively low thresholds compared to states with similarly high top rates.

Federal Income Tax — Progressive Brackets

On top of Minnesota state tax, every Minnesota worker owes federal income tax at rates from 10% to 37% in 2026.

Step-by-Step Example — $90,000 Single Filer in Minnesota (2026)

1. Gross annual pay: $90,000
2. Federal taxable income: $90,000 − $16,100 = $73,900. Federal tax ≈ $11,670.
3. MN taxable income: $90,000 − $14,575 = $75,425. MN tax: $1,782 (5.35% × $33,310) + $2,868 (6.8% × $42,115) = $4,650.
4. FICA: $90,000 × 7.65% = $6,885.
5. Net take-home: ~$66,795/year (~$2,569 biweekly).

FICA Taxes — Social Security and Medicare

• Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2025) or $184,500 (2026). No further withholding once you cross the wage base for the year.
• Medicare: 1.45% on all wages with no cap. Additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages above $200,000 single / $250,000 MFJ.
• Employer match: your employer matches Social Security and base Medicare; the Additional Medicare surtax is employee-only.

Minnesota vs. Neighboring States

• vs. Wisconsin:WI uses progressive brackets 3.5%–7.65%. At $100,000 (single), a Wisconsin earner pays roughly $4,700 in state tax vs. ~$5,700 in Minnesota — about $1,000/year difference. WI's top rate of 7.65% is lower than MN's 9.85%.
• vs. Iowa: Iowa moved to a flat 3.8% rate in 2025. An Iowa single filer earning $100,000 pays roughly $3,230 in state tax — $2,470/year less than Minnesota at the same income.
• vs. North Dakota: ND has very low rates (1.1%–2.9%) — a $100,000 ND earner pays about $1,400 in state tax vs. $5,700 for the same Minnesota earner.
• vs. South Dakota: SD has no state income tax — the savings vs. Minnesota grow with income level.

How to Reduce Minnesota Withholding

• Max your 401(k) — pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce both federal and MN state taxable income. At the 22% federal + 6.8% MN combined marginal rate, a $20,000 contribution saves roughly $5,760/year in total taxes.
• Contribute to an HSA — Minnesota honors HSA contributions as pre-tax. $4,300 individual / $8,550 family in 2026; FICA savings also apply through payroll.
• Use Dependent Care FSA — up to $5,000 pre-tax for qualifying childcare reduces both federal and Minnesota taxable wages.
• Consider 529 contributions — Minnesota allows a deduction of up to $3,000 (single) / $6,000 (MFJ) per year for contributions to a Minnesota 529 plan (Minnesota College Savings Plan).
• Update Form W-4MN — Minnesota requires its own withholding certificate separate from the federal W-4. Adjust it when your deductions or filing status change.

Tax Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. It is not tax advice. Minnesota tax brackets, standard deduction amounts, and federal rules change. Consult a qualified Minnesota-licensed CPA or tax professional for your specific situation. Use the Minnesota income tax calculator for an annual tax liability view.