Maine Paycheck Calculator
Free take-home pay estimator for Maine employees · 2026 tax rates · Updated January 2026
How Maine paycheck taxes work
Maine's top income tax rate of 7.15% makes it one of the higher-taxed New England states — most workers pay 5.8%–6.75%.
- Maine's three-bracket system tops out at 7.15% on income over $58,050 for single filers.
- Maine uses the same standard deduction as the federal government.
- Maine does not tax Social Security income for most filers.
Federal income tax withholding (2026)
Federal income tax withholding is calculated using the annualization method from IRS Publication 15-T. Your per-period gross pay is annualized, reduced by the standard deduction ($15,000 single / $30,000 married / $22,500 head of household in 2026), and then taxed at the applicable bracket rates. The resulting annual tax is divided by your number of pay periods.
2026 federal tax brackets
| Taxable Income (Single) | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,926 – $48,475 | 12% |
| $48,476 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,351 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,301 – $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,526 – $626,350 | 35% |
| Over $626,350 | 37% |
FICA: Social Security & Medicare
FICA taxes are the same in every state. Social Security is withheld at 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2026 wage base). Once your wages reach that cap in a calendar year, Social Security withholding stops. Medicare is withheld at 1.45% with no wage cap. An additional 0.9% applies to wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
Maine state income tax details
Maine uses a progressive income tax, meaning higher income is taxed at higher rates. The calculator above applies Maine's exact 2026 bracket table to your annualized income and divides the result by your pay periods.
Pre-tax deductions and your paycheck
Traditional 401(k) contributions and employer-sponsored health insurance premiums (Section 125/cafeteria plan) reduce your federal and state taxable income, lowering your income tax withholding. However, 401(k) contributions do not reduce FICA (Social Security and Medicare) wages. Health insurance premiums under a Section 125 plan do reduce FICA wages. Use the "Show deductions" section above to model your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
- Maine has a progressive state income tax. The rate depends on your income level — lower income is taxed at a lower rate, and higher income at a higher rate. Use the calculator above to see your exact withholding based on your salary and filing status.
- Maine does not have a statewide local income tax layer. Your paycheck deductions consist of federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Maine state income tax — no additional local income taxes are withheld at the state level.
- Start with your gross pay per paycheck. Subtract: (1) federal income tax based on your filing status and 2026 brackets; (2) Social Security at 6.2% up to the $176,100 wage base; (3) Medicare at 1.45%; (4) Maine state income tax. Any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or health insurance reduce your taxable income further. The calculator above does this math instantly.
- Maine's treatment of Social Security retirement benefits varies by income level. Check the Maine Department of Revenue for the current exemption thresholds. This calculator estimates withholding on wages — Social Security benefit taxation is a separate determination made on your annual return.
- Maine does not require additional state payroll contributions beyond state income tax withholding. Some states (notably California, New Jersey, and New York) require workers to contribute to state disability insurance (SDI) or paid family leave (PFL) programs — Maine is not one of them.
Last updated: January 2026 · Data source: IRS Publication 15-T (2026), Maine Department of Revenue · This tool is for estimation only.
Related guides
- How does paycheck withholding work? — Step-by-step explanation of federal withholding, FICA, and state tax calculation.
- W-4 withholding guide — How to fill out the redesigned W-4 and avoid under- or over-withholding.