Calculate Your Virginia State Tax
Virginia Income Tax Rates for 2025
Virginia uses a 4-bracket progressive tax system with rates from 2% to 5.75%. However, the top bracket starts at just $17,000, meaning most middle and upper-income earners pay the 5.75% rate on the majority of their income.
2025 Virginia Tax Brackets
| Income Range | Tax Rate | Tax on Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $3,000 | 2% | Up to $60 |
| $3,000 - $5,000 | 3% | Up to $60 |
| $5,000 - $17,000 | 5% | Up to $600 |
| $17,001+ | 5.75% | 5.75% on excess |
Real Example: $75,000 Income
Single Filer:
- Gross Income: $75,000
- Standard Deduction: -$8,000
- Taxable Income: $67,000
Tax Calculation:
- First $3,000 × 2% = $60
- Next $2,000 × 3% = $60
- Next $12,000 × 5% = $600
- Remaining $50,000 × 5.75% = $2,875
- Total Tax: $3,595
- Effective Rate: 4.79%
Married Filing Jointly:
- Gross Income: $75,000
- Standard Deduction: -$16,000
- Taxable Income: $59,000
- Total Tax: $3,135
- Effective Rate: 4.18%
How Virginia Compares to Other States
| State | Tax System | Tax on $75k (single) | vs Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Progressive (up to 5.75%) | $3,595 | — |
| North Carolina | 4.25% flat | $2,646 | NC saves $949 |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% flat | $2,303 | PA saves $1,292 |
| Georgia | 5.19% flat | $3,270 | GA saves $325 |
| Tennessee | No income tax | $0 | TN saves $3,595 |
| Maryland | Progressive (up to 5.75%) | ~$3,600 | Similar |
Virginia Retirement Income
- Social Security: 100% tax-free
- Age 65+ Retirement Income: Up to $12,000 deduction
- Military Retirement: Up to $10,000 subtraction (or $12,000 if 65+)
- Other Retirement Income: Taxed at standard rates after deductions
Virginia is moderately retirement-friendly. The $12,000 deduction for 65+ helps, but Pennsylvania (no tax on ANY retirement income) and Florida (no income tax) are much more generous.
Best Places to Live in Virginia (By Income Level)
For Income $30,000 - $50,000
Recommended: Roanoke, Lynchburg, Petersburg, Winchester
Why: Affordable housing, lower cost of living, reasonable taxes
Tax Impact: ~4-4.5% effective rate
For Income $50,000 - $80,000
Recommended: Richmond, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, Hampton
Why: Good job markets, cultural amenities, family-friendly
Tax Impact: ~4.5-5% effective rate
For Income $80,000 - $150,000
Recommended: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Ashburn
Why: Close to DC jobs, excellent schools, strong economy
Tax Impact: ~5-5.5% effective rate
For Income $150,000+
Recommended: McLean, Great Falls, Middleburg, parts of Richmond
Why: Premium neighborhoods, top schools, proximity to DC
Tax Impact: ~5.7% effective rate
When Moving to Virginia Makes Sense
- You work in DC area (federal government, contractors, tech)
- You're moving from higher-tax states (NY, CA, NJ, MD)
- You value proximity to nation's capital and history
- You work for federal government or defense contractors
- You prioritize excellent public education and universities
- You're moving from North Carolina (4.25%) or Tennessee (0%)
- You're moving from Pennsylvania (3.07%) or Georgia (5.19%)
- You prioritize lowest possible taxes
- You're retiring with significant income (PA has no retirement tax)
Affordable Tax Filing for Virginia
- Cash App Taxes - FREE
- FreeTaxUSA - $14.99 VA state
- VITA - FREE (income under $64,000)
State rankings: Lowest Tax States 2025 | Best States for Retirees | States with Flat Tax | Highest Tax States 2025
Related Resources
- North Carolina Tax Calculator - Compare VA vs NC (4.25%)
- Pennsylvania Tax Calculator - Compare VA vs PA (3.07%)
- Tennessee Tax Calculator - Compare VA vs TN (0%)
- All State Tax Calculators