Washington D.C. Paycheck Calculator

Washington D.C. Income Tax Rate

Washington D.C. taxes wage income with progressive brackets and notable high-income rates. Payroll starts from gross pay, subtracts pre-tax benefits traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA, and commuter plans then calculates federal withholding, FICA, and D.C. withholding based on your D-4 elections and pay frequency. Supplemental wages (bonuses/commissions) follow federal percentage or aggregate methods, with D.C. tables applied. D.C. does not tax nonresidents, but residents pay D.C. tax on all income with credits where applicable. Your effective rate is typically lower than the top bracket after deductions, credits, and pre-tax benefits reduce taxable wages across the year.

Washington D.C. Median Household Income

Washington D.C.’s median household income ranks among the nation’s highest, powered by government, law, policy, healthcare, higher education, technology, hospitality, and professional services. After pandemic-era volatility, nominal gains resumed amid tight labor markets across the District and nearby corridors. The figures below are nominal, directional benchmarks for budgeting and offer comparisons. For purchasing power, consider “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and local costs housing, transportation, childcare, and insurance which are notably higher in core neighborhoods. Household size and employer benefits (health coverage, retirement match, transit subsidies) meaningfully affect take-home value across the District.

Washington D.C. Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA applies uniformly in Washington D.C. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the annual federal wage base (employer matched) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages above federal thresholds; employers do not match the surtax. Traditional 401(k) reduces income-tax wages but not FICA; Section 125 health premiums typically reduce both. D.C. pay stubs may also show local items like Paid Family Leave (PFL) as an employer-funded program; employees see separate lines for federal, FICA, D.C. income tax, and benefit deductions.

Washington D.C. Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

The District itself levies a local income tax; municipalities within D.C. do not exist separately. By federal law, D.C. does not tax nonresidents.

How Your Washington D.C. Paycheck Works

Your pay starts with gross wages for the period. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums, and eligible transit/parking benefits to reach taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (W-4), FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and D.C. state (local) income tax (D-4). D.C. does not tax nonresidents, so sourcing matters if you work remotely across state lines. Post-tax items Roth 401(k), garnishments, union dues, charitable gifts are taken after taxes and do not reduce taxable wages. Pay frequency changes cash-flow timing, not annual liability.

Washington D.C. Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: D.C. follows FLSA most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek; exemptions depend on duties and salary thresholds.
Pay frequency: Employers must maintain regular, published paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common. Rules also address timely final pay and itemized wage statements review employer policies for specifics.

Washington D.C. FAQs

How do I use the Washington D.C. Paycheck Calculator?

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

Does Washington D.C. tax nonresidents who work in the District?

No. By federal law, D.C. does not tax nonresidents’ wages earned in the District.

What is D.C.’s top individual income tax rate?

High-income brackets reach roughly 10.75% in recent years; most workers pay a lower effective rate.

Why did my D.C. withholding change midyear?

Raises, bonuses, updated D-4, or benefit elections can alter per-check withholding.

Do 401(k) and HSA contributions lower D.C. tax?

Yes pre-tax benefits reduce income-taxable wages; traditional 401(k) doesn’t reduce FICA, but many health premiums do.

How are bonuses withheld in D.C.?

Employers may use federal percentage or aggregate methods; D.C. withholding applies per current tables.

Which items might appear on a D.C. pay stub?

Federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, D.C. income tax, pre/post-tax deductions, year-to-date totals, and net pay.

How does remote work affect D.C. taxes?

D.C. taxes residents on all income; nonresidents aren’t taxed by D.C. Sourcing follows where work is performed.

Are tips taxable in Washington D.C.?

Yes. Reported tips are subject to federal income tax, FICA, and D.C. income tax for residents.

How often must I be paid in D.C.?

Employers pay on regular, published schedules commonly biweekly or semimonthly subject to wage-payment rules.

What benefits can reduce FICA?

Section 125 health premiums often reduce FICA; traditional 401(k) does not. HSA via cafeteria plan can reduce FICA.

Do local surcharges besides income tax affect paychecks?

Employees primarily see D.C. income tax and benefits; employer-side programs like PFL are funded by employers, not withheld from employees.