Iowa Income Tax Calculator 2026
See your Iowa state tax, effective rate, and take-home pay in 60 seconds.
- This state uses a simplified estimate: a single rate schedule applied to gross income less the standard deduction and personal exemption. Local income taxes, mandatory state payroll contributions, retirement income exclusions, credits, and state-specific adjustments are not modeled.
Estimated federal and state take-home pay based on the information entered. Local taxes, state payroll programs, employer benefits, itemized deductions, tax credits, and special state adjustments may not be included. Tax year 2026. Iowa figures last verified July 17, 2026 — see sources below.
Worked example: A single filer earning $85,000 in Iowa
Start with $85,000 of wages. After $16,100 in modeled state deductions/exemptions, Iowa applies its flat 3.8% rate, which comes to about $2,618 in state income tax — an effective state rate near 3.1%. Federal income tax and FICA are calculated separately and shown in the calculator above.
Assumes a single filer taking the standard treatment. Figures are educational estimates.
How Iowa taxes income
Iowa is a flat-tax state: all taxable income is taxed at the same 3.8% rate, regardless of how much you earn. There are no brackets to climb.
Iowa generally starts from your federal income, applies state-specific adjustments, and then applies the flat 3.8% rate. Deductions, exemptions, and credits can change the final number — confirm the current details with the Iowa Department of Revenue.
2026 rate structure
Retirement income & Social Security
Iowa does not tax most retirement income for taxpayers aged 55 or older, including 401(k), IRA and pension distributions. Social Security is fully exempt at any age. Taxpayers under 55 are generally taxable on retirement distributions. Verify with the Iowa Department of Revenue.
Local taxes & reciprocity
Iowa has no local or city income tax — only the state income tax applies to wages.
Reciprocity: Iowa has no income tax reciprocity agreements. If you work across state lines, you generally file a non-resident return where you work and claim a credit to avoid double taxation.
Notable deductions, credits & other taxes
Deductions & credits
- Iowa standard deduction (about $16,100 single / $32,200 MFJ in this model — verify current amounts)
- Credit for income taxes paid to other states (for residents with out-of-state income)
- State versions of common credits — earned income, child/dependent care, and education credits — where offered
Capital gains: Iowa has no separate capital gains rate. Capital gains included in your federal AGI are taxed as ordinary income at the flat 3.8% rate.
Property tax: Property taxes in Iowa are assessed and collected locally, so effective rates vary widely by county and municipality. Check your county assessor or the Iowa Department of Revenue for local rates.
Iowa vs. neighboring states
Compared with its neighbors — Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska — Iowa's flat 3.8% sit within the regional range. Effective rates depend heavily on income level, deductions, and local taxes. Note that South Dakota has no income tax at all, which can matter for people living or working near the border.
Iowa state tax FAQs
What is the Iowa state income tax rate for 2026?
Iowa levies a flat 3.8% income tax that applies to all taxable income, with no graduated brackets.
Does Iowa tax retirement income or Social Security?
Social Security benefits are exempt from Iowa income tax. Treatment of other retirement income depends on the plan type, your age, and whether the distribution is qualifying — many states exempt some or all of it for retirees. This calculator does not model those exclusions, so verify with the Iowa Department of Revenue rather than assuming your distributions are fully taxable.
How are capital gains taxed in Iowa?
Iowa has no separate capital gains rate. Capital gains included in your federal AGI are taxed as ordinary income at the flat 3.8% rate.
Is there a local or city income tax in Iowa?
Iowa has no local or city income tax — only the state income tax applies to wages.
Does Iowa have tax reciprocity with neighboring states?
Iowa has no income tax reciprocity agreements. If you work across state lines, you generally file a non-resident return where you work and claim a credit to avoid being taxed twice.
Sources & verification
Last verified July 17, 2026.