Arizona Paycheck Calculator
Arizona works differently from every other state: instead of a fixed formula, you choose your own withholding percentage on Form A-4 — 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, or 3.5% of your gross taxable wages, or elect 0% if you expect no Arizona tax liability. If you don't file an A-4, your employer withholds 2.0% by default. Your elected rate doesn't have to match Arizona's actual 2.5% income tax rate — many people choose a higher rate to avoid owing money at filing time.
How Arizona taxes your paycheck in 2026
- State income tax rate
- 2.5% (your actual liability)
- Withholding method
- You elect 0%–3.5% on Form A-4 (default 2.0%)
- Local income tax
- None anywhere in Arizona
Arizona paycheck FAQs
Why do I get to choose my own withholding percentage in Arizona?
Arizona simplified its withholding system to a flat menu of employee-elected percentages rather than a formula-based calculation. Since your elected rate doesn't have to match the actual 2.5% tax rate, you can choose higher to build a refund cushion or lower if you have deductions that reduce your real liability.
What happens if I don't file Form A-4?
Your employer is required to withhold at a 2.0% default rate on your gross taxable wages until you submit a completed A-4.
What are 'gross taxable wages' for Arizona withholding?
It's the wage figure that generally shows up in Box 1 of your W-2 — your gross wages minus pretax deductions like 401(k) contributions or your share of health insurance premiums.
Other state calculators
Tax data verified 2026-07-21 against the official source. See our methodology.