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Change log · 2026 tax year · Every change dated

Tax Updates Log: What Changed in Our 2026 Tax Data

This tax updates log lists every change to FiftyStatePay’s federal and state tax data, with the date, what changed and the source. Rules shift during the year, so a dated log shows you whether a calculator is current.

It also records our own fixes, so nothing changes quietly. Use it to check a rate or to see what is new.

  • Every change dated
  • Federal and state rules
  • Sources linked
  • Fixes recorded too

Last updated October 21, 2026 · Data release: 2026 tax rules in force October 2026 (data 2026.10.1) · By Hamza Akram

Tax Updates Log Summary

Quick answer

This tax updates log lists each change to our federal and state tax data in 2026, newest first within each group. The federal tables, Social Security wage base and contribution limits took effect on January 1, 2026, and several states changed their rates or formulas during the year. We add a line for every change and every fix.

Tax updates log highlights for 2026: federal tables, Georgia, Utah, Ohio and the data release
Highlights from the 2026 tax updates log.

Federal Changes in 2026

  1. Jan 1, 2026

    2026 withholding tables

    We use the federal tables in IRS Publication 15-T for 2026, including the percentage method for automated payroll.

  2. Jan 1, 2026

    Standard deductions

    $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household, as set for tax year 2026.

  3. Jan 1, 2026

    Social Security wage base

    The 6.2% tax applies to wages up to $184,500. Medicare stays at 1.45%, with an extra 0.9% on wages above $200,000.

  4. Jan 1, 2026

    Retirement limits

    The 401(k) limit is $24,500, with an $8,000 catch-up and an $11,250 catch-up at ages 60 to 63.

  5. Jan 1, 2026

    W-4 credits

    Step 3 counts $2,200 per child under 17 and $500 per other dependent.

  6. 2025 to 2028

    Tips and overtime deductions

    These new deductions are claimed on your return. They affect withholding only if you enter them in W-4 Step 4(b), and FICA tax still applies.

State Changes in 2026

Several states changed their rates or formulas after the year began. These are the changes we have recorded.

  1. Aug 1, 2026

    Ohio

    Withholding tables run from 1.6% to 3.4%. The statutory rate stays at 2.75%.

  2. 2026

    Georgia

    The flat rate is 4.99%, cut from 5.19% and retroactive to January 1.

  3. 2026

    Utah

    The flat rate is 4.45%, cut from 4.5%.

  4. Jan 1, 2026

    Arkansas

    New brackets run from 2% to 3.7% under HB 1001, and the state formula was posted on May 29, 2026.

  5. 2026

    Idaho

    Flat 5.3% above $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filers.

Other states updated for 2026
StateWhat we updated
MaineGraduated rates from 5.8% to 7.15%, plus a 2% surtax on income over $1 million.
South CarolinaGraduated rates from 1.99% to 5.21%.
West VirginiaGraduated rates from 2.11% to 4.58%.
Louisiana, Hawaii, OregonNew 2026 withholding formulas published by each state.

Every other state calculator follows that state’s 2026 withholding formula. Our tax data sources page lists where each one comes from.

Site and Data Releases

  1. Oct 21, 2026

    Trust pages published

    We published our about, method, sources, editorial, corrections and privacy pages, including this log.

  2. Oct 2026

    Rate summary fixes

    We corrected the rate summaries shown for Arkansas, Connecticut and Idaho so they match the formulas the calculators use.

  3. Oct 2026

    Data release 2026.10.1

    All 50 states and DC run on 2026 rules, including the mid-year changes above.

After the SSA and IRS publish their 2027 figures, we will add the new Social Security wage base and the 2027 federal withholding tables. State changes for 2027 will follow as each agency publishes them. We will log each one here when it goes live, not before.

How to Read and Use the Tax Updates Log

  1. Each line has a date, the rule or fix, and the source.
  2. Federal changes follow IRS and SSA publications.
  3. State changes follow each state agency’s formula or employer guide.
  4. Fixes to our own mistakes are listed too, as set out in the corrections policy.

Did we miss a change? Please contact us and include the source. We will check it and add it.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tax Updates Log

What changed on paychecks in 2026?

The federal tables and limits updated on January 1, 2026, including a $184,500 Social Security wage base and a $24,500 401(k) limit. Several states also changed their rates during the year.

Which states cut income tax rates in 2026?

In our data, Georgia moved to 4.99% and Utah to 4.45%. Ohio, Arkansas, Idaho and others also updated their withholding formulas.

What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?

It is $184,500. Social Security tax of 6.2% stops for the year once your wages pass that amount.

When does FiftyStatePay update its tax data?

Each January, each fall for the Social Security wage base, and whenever a state publishes a change. We log every update here.

How do I know the calculator uses the latest rules?

Check the data release shown at the top of this page, and compare it with the latest entry in the log.

Where do you find tax changes?

We read IRS and SSA publications and each state agency’s formulas and employer guides. We also welcome reports from readers.

Estimates, not tax advice

This log describes changes to our data. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. Your employer’s payroll settings decide your real withholding.

Sources

  1. IRS Publication 15-T (2026), Federal Income Tax Withholding MethodsInternal Revenue Service Official
  2. Contribution and Benefit BaseSocial Security Administration Official
  3. State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026Tax Foundation

See the 2026 rules at work

Now that you have read the tax updates log, check what the changes mean for your own paycheck.

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