# Maine paycheck calculator (2026)

Maine W-2 employees and seasonal workers estimating graduated state tax plus federal and FICA.

Maine’s graduated tax reaches 7.15% in the table we publish, after a standard deduction; some deduction phaseouts are omitted. Seasonal and year-round W-2 employees in Portland or farther north use this page to compare a Maine check to New Hampshire, where wages are not taxed. Local income taxes are not modeled. Math is computed on your device from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32, the SSA $184,500 wage base, and the Tax Foundation 2026 Maine brackets. This is not Maine Form 1040ME software. Extra federal withholding is an optional field if your W-4 asks for more.

This is a W-2 style withholding approximation, not a full Maine Form resident return. We annualize your pay, subtract pretax 401(k) and section 125 health premiums from federal wages (health premiums also reduce FICA wages), apply the 2026 IRS standard deduction, then apply Maine’s published rate structure. We do not model local city or county income taxes, itemized deductions, or most credits.

Use the calculator to compare pay frequencies (hourly through annual), pretax 401(k) as a percent or a dollar amount per paycheck, and optional extra federal withholding. Last reviewed against IRS, SSA, and Tax Foundation 2026 publications on August 24, 2026.

Data note: Maine deduction/exemption phaseouts not modeled. Treat the Maine line as an estimate and confirm current withholding tables with your employer or the state department of revenue.

## Tax model notes

- Kind: progressive
- (none)


Data note: Maine deduction/exemption phaseouts not modeled.

## Sample estimate ($80,000 single, no 401(k))

- Gross: $80,000.00
- Federal income tax: $8,770.00
- Social Security: $4,960.00
- Medicare: $1,160.00
- State income tax: $4,224.34
- Net / take-home: $60,885.66 (effective tax 23.9%)
- Per paycheck net: $60,885.66 (1 periods)

Label: engine estimate, not a pay stub.

## FAQ

### Does Maine have a state income tax on wages?

Yes. Maine has a graduated state income tax with a top rate of 7.15% on taxable wage income in 2026. Local income taxes, if any, are not included in this estimate.

### What Maine income tax rate does this calculator use for 2026?

The official graduated brackets published for 2026 (Tax Foundation compilation of state statutes), with a top marginal rate of 7.15%. Maine deduction/exemption phaseouts not modeled.

### Is this my actual take-home pay?

No. It is an estimate of typical W-2 withholding. It omits local taxes (except a note on New York City), most credits (including the federal Child Tax Credit), unemployment insurance, wage-garnishment, and employer-specific benefits. Use it to plan, not to file.

### Does a 401(k) contribution reduce Social Security tax?

Usually no. Traditional 401(k) deferrals reduce federal (and often state) taxable wages, but they remain subject to Social Security and Medicare. Pre-tax health insurance premiums under a cafeteria plan generally reduce FICA wages as well.

## Related

- [New Hampshire](https://takehomecash.com/new-hampshire-paycheck-calculator/index.md)
- [Massachusetts](https://takehomecash.com/massachusetts-paycheck-calculator/index.md)
- [Vermont](https://takehomecash.com/vermont-paycheck-calculator/index.md)
- [Rhode Island](https://takehomecash.com/rhode-island-paycheck-calculator/index.md)