Authoritative Methodology and Guidance
Data Source and Methodology
Authoritative data: Tennessee Department of Revenue — “Individual Income (Hall) Tax” (Repeal), effective January 1, 2021. Reference: Hall Income Tax Repeal Notice, Tennessee Department of Revenue (2021). Direct link: tn.gov/revenue/taxes/hall-income-tax.html
All calculations are strictly based on the formulas and data provided by this source.
Note: This tool isolates Tennessee state income tax. It does not compute federal income tax or FICA.
The Formula Explained
TN State Tax Rate: r = 0
LaTeX:
1) Total Income Considered: I_c = W + I + D
2) State Tax: T_{TN} = I_c × r = (W + I + D) × 0 = 0
3) Effective Rate: ER = { T_{TN} \over \max(I_c, 1) } × 100%
W = wages; I = interest; D = dividends. For 2021 onward, r = 0 per Tennessee law.
Glossary of Variables
- Year: Supported tax year (2021–2025), all with a 0% Tennessee state income tax rate.
- Annual wage income (W): Gross wages, salaries, and tips subject to federal tax. Tennessee does not tax wages.
- Interest & dividends (I + D): Investment income. The Hall tax that once applied was repealed for 2021 onward.
- TN state tax rate (r): 0% for 2021–2025.
- TN state income tax (T_TN): State tax due to Tennessee income tax. Result is $0.
- Effective state tax rate (ER): T_TN divided by total income considered (displayed as a percent).
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Scenario: A Tennessee resident in 2025 earns $65,000 in wages and $0 in interest/dividends.
- Choose Year = 2025.
- Enter W = $65,000; I + D = $0. Then I_c = W + I + D = $65,000.
- Apply Tennessee rate r = 0% (per state law, 2021–2025).
- Compute state tax: T_TN = I_c × r = $65,000 × 0 = $0.
- Effective rate: ER = T_TN / I_c × 100% = 0 / 65,000 × 100% = 0.00%.
Answer: Tennessee state income tax = $0.00; Effective Tennessee state tax rate = 0.00%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Tennessee tax wage income?
No. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages or salaries.
Is the Hall income tax still in effect?
No. The Hall income tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed effective January 1, 2021.
Do any local jurisdictions in Tennessee levy income taxes?
No. There are no local wage income taxes in Tennessee.
What taxes still affect my take-home pay?
Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) still apply. This tool only covers Tennessee state income tax.
Why does the calculator ask for filing status?
For completeness and potential future changes. At present, filing status does not impact Tennessee state income tax because the rate is 0%.
Which years does this calculator support?
Tax years 2021 through 2025, inclusive, all with a 0% Tennessee state income tax rate.
Where can I confirm this information?
See the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s official page: Hall Income Tax (repeal notice and details).