Arizona Income Tax Guide for Paystubs

Arizona Income Tax Guide for Paystubs

Arizona has a flat 2.5% state income tax rate as of 2023. Learn how Arizona withholds state income tax from your paycheck and what to expect on your paystub.

February 1, 2026

Arizona has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5% on all taxable income. In 2023, Arizona transitioned to a flat tax system, giving it one of the lowest income tax rates in the nation.

Arizona Flat Tax Rate

Taxable IncomeTax Rate
All income2.5%

Arizona's 2.5% flat tax is one of the lowest state income tax rates in the country, based on Arizona Department of Revenue guidelines.

What You'll See on Your Paystub

An Arizona worker's paystub includes both federal income tax withholding and state deductions:

DeductionRateNotes
Federal Income TaxVariesBased on W-4 and income
Social Security6.2%Up to $181,200 wage base
Medicare1.45%No wage limit
Arizona State Income Tax2.5%Flat rate on all taxable income

Arizona Withholding Percentages

Arizona allows employees to choose their withholding percentage. You can elect to have withheld:

  • 0.5% of gross taxable wages
  • 1.0% of gross taxable wages
  • 1.5% of gross taxable wages
  • 2.0% of gross taxable wages
  • 2.5% of gross taxable wages
  • 3.0% of gross taxable wages

Since the tax rate is 2.5%, selecting 2.5% withholding should result in minimal refund or amount owed at tax time.

Arizona Standard Deduction

Arizona offers a standard deduction that reduces your taxable income:

Filing StatusStandard Deduction (2026)
Single$14,600
Married Filing Jointly$29,200
Head of Household$21,900

No Local Income Taxes

Arizona does not allow cities or counties to impose local income taxes. Your state withholding covers all Arizona income tax obligations.

Arizona Sales Tax

While Arizona has low income tax, be aware of transaction privilege tax (sales tax):

  • State rate: 5.6%
  • Local rates: Up to 5.6% additional
  • Combined maximum: Up to 11.2% in some areas

Retirement Income

Arizona offers tax benefits for retirees:

  • Social Security benefits are not taxed
  • Up to $2,500 exclusion for government pensions
  • Military retirement pay is tax-free

Arizona's low income tax rate combined with no tax on Social Security makes it popular with retirees.

Arizona vs. Neighboring States

StateTax StructureTop Rate
ArizonaFlat2.5%
NevadaNone0%
CaliforniaProgressive13.3%
New MexicoProgressive5.9%
UtahFlat4.65%
ColoradoFlat4.4%

Comparing Take-Home Pay

Here's how a $75,000 annual salary in Arizona compares to other states:

StateEffective RateAnnual State Tax
Arizona~2.0%~$1,500
Nevada0%$0
California~6%~$3,200

Explore Other States

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