Montana paycheck calculator

What's different about a Montana paycheck

At Montana's median wage — $23.43 an hour, or about $48,740 a year (BLS, May 2025) — a single filer paid biweekly keeps about $1,531.10 per paycheck. Over the year that's $3,669 federal income tax, $3,729 Social Security and Medicare, and $1,534 Montana income tax, before 401(k) or insurance. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 — Montana, all occupations

Local income taxes

Montana has no local income taxes — state law bars local governments from taxing income unless the Legislature delegates that power. Source: Montana Code Annotated 7-1-112

Working across state lines

Montana’s only reciprocity partner is North Dakota, covering wages, salaries, commissions, and fees. North Dakota residents working in Montana claim the exemption on line 5c of Form MW-4, renewed each year; Montana residents working in North Dakota file North Dakota Form NDW-R. Source: Montana DOR, North Dakota Reciprocity Agreement

Bonuses and other supplemental pay

Bonuses paid separately may be withheld at a flat 5%; otherwise they are added to regular wages and withheld on the total. Source: Montana DOR, Employer and Information Agent Guide with 2026 Withholding Tax Tables

State withholding form

Form MW-4 — Montana Employee's Withholding and Exemption Certificate, filed with your employer alongside the federal W-4.

How this is calculated

Net pay in Montana = gross salary minus federal withholdings minus Montana income tax. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare use the 2026 IRS and SSA figures (Rev. Proc. 2025-32), computed exactly as on the main paycheck calculator. Montana uses two brackets for 2026 — 4.7% and 5.65% (HB 337 cut the top rate from 5.9%). Montana starts from federal taxable income, so it effectively applies the federal standard deduction; the 5.65% rate begins at $47,500 (single) / $95,000 (married). Preferential capital-gains rates, credits, and pre-tax items are not modeled.

The 2026 federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare method, step by step

Sources

• IRS — Tax year 2026 inflation adjustments (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)(opens in a new tab)
• SSA — Social Security contribution and benefit base(opens in a new tab)
• Tax Foundation — 2026 State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets(opens in a new tab)
• Montana Department of Revenue(opens in a new tab)

Frequently asked questions

What is the Montana state income tax rate for 2026?

Montana has two brackets for 2026: 4.7% and a top rate of 5.65% (cut from 5.9% by House Bill 337). For single filers the 5.65% rate starts at $47,500 of taxable income; for married-filing-jointly it starts at $95,000.

Does Montana have a sales tax?

No — Montana is one of a handful of states with no general sales tax, which offsets its income tax for many residents. This calculator only covers income and payroll taxes, not Montana's overall tax picture.

How much of a median Montana paycheck goes to taxes?

Montana's median wage is about $48,740 a year ($23.43 an hour, BLS May 2025). For a single filer paid biweekly in 2026 that is about $3,669 federal income tax, $3,729 Social Security and Medicare, and $1,534 Montana income tax a year, leaving about $1,531.10 per paycheck — before 401(k), insurance, or any state payroll programs.

Does Montana have a tax reciprocity agreement with other states?

Montana’s only reciprocity partner is North Dakota, covering wages, salaries, commissions, and fees. North Dakota residents working in Montana claim the exemption on line 5c of Form MW-4, renewed each year; Montana residents working in North Dakota file North Dakota Form NDW-R.

Do Montana cities or counties tax wages?

Montana has no local income taxes — state law bars local governments from taxing income unless the Legislature delegates that power.

How are bonuses withheld in Montana?

Bonuses paid separately may be withheld at a flat 5%; otherwise they are added to regular wages and withheld on the total.