Georgia Paycheck Calculator

Georgia Income Tax Rate

Georgia taxes wages at the state level and has recently moved toward a lower, flatter structure. Employers begin with your gross pay, subtract pre-tax benefits (traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA, commuter plans), then compute federal withholding, FICA, and Georgia withholding using your G-4 elections and pay frequency. Supplemental wages (bonuses, commissions) can be withheld using percentage or aggregate methods. Georgia municipalities generally do not levy separate wage income taxes, so your primary statutory layers are federal and state. The table shows the top/flat rate trend over the last decade for context; actual effective rates vary by income, filing status, credits, and benefits.

Georgia Median Household Income

Georgia’s median household income has climbed through the decade, propelled by growth in logistics, fintech, film and entertainment, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and professional services—especially across Metro Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Athens. Pandemic-era swings briefly slowed progress, but tight labor markets supported renewed nominal gains statewide. The values below are directional and nominal benchmarks to help with budgeting and offer comparisons. For purchasing power, compare “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and weigh local differences in housing, transportation, childcare, and insurance. Household size and employer benefits (health coverage, retirement match) meaningfully shape take-home value across Georgia’s diverse counties and metros.

Georgia Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and applies in Georgia like everywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the federal wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match the surtax. Section 125 health premiums typically reduce both income-tax and FICA wages, while traditional 401(k) reduces income-tax wages but not FICA. Expect Georgia pay stubs to itemize Social Security, Medicare, federal tax, state tax, and your pre-/post-tax deductions, with year-to-date totals for verification.

Georgia Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

Georgia does not impose municipal wage income taxes on employees. Some localities may levy business or occupational taxes, but they are not percent-of-wages employee income taxes deducted from paychecks.

How Your Georgia Paycheck Works

Your check starts with gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums, and eligible commuter benefits—to determine taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (per W-4), FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Georgia state income tax (per G-4). Because there are no employee-paid city wage taxes, layers are simpler than in many states. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments, union dues, charitable gifts) are taken after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly) changes per-check cash flow but not your annual tax liability.

Georgia Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: Georgia follows the FLSA standard—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek; white-collar exemptions apply where duties and salary thresholds are met.
Pay frequency: Employers must set regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common. State rules also address timely final pay and wage-statement details—review employer policy and any agreements for specifics.

FAQs

How do I use the Georgia Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, pay schedule, W-4/G-4 details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and Georgia withholding.

What is Georgia’s current income tax structure?

Georgia has reduced rates and moved toward a flatter system; see the 10-year table for top/flat rate changes.

Do any Georgia cities tax wages?

No. Municipal wage income taxes are not imposed on employees in Georgia.

Why did my Georgia withholding change this year?

Rate updates, a new G-4, raises, overtime, or benefit elections can alter per-check withholding.

Do 401(k) and HSA contributions lower my taxes?

Yes—both reduce income-tax wages; 401(k) does not reduce FICA, while many Section 125 health premiums do.

How are bonuses withheld in Georgia?

Employers may use percentage or aggregate federal methods; Georgia withholding follows state guidance for supplemental wages.

What appears on a Georgia pay stub?

Lines for federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, Georgia income tax, pre-/post-tax deductions, YTD totals, and net pay.