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Employer Cost Calculator for Iowa

Iowa charges 3.8% flat state income tax. Use the employer cost calculator pre-loaded with Iowa rates.

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Iowa Tax Overview

State Tax Rate
3.8%
3.8% flat
Tax Structure
Flat Rate
No local income tax
Median Income
$58,000
Household, Iowa
Cost of Living
89
Below Avg (100 = avg)

Why Use the Employer Cost Calculator in Iowa?

Employers in Iowa must withhold and remit the flat 3.8% state income tax, plus handle their share of FICA, FUTA, and Iowa's state unemployment insurance. The total cost to employ someone at a $75,000 salary in Iowa is typically 10-15% above the gross salary, covering the employer's payroll tax share, SUI, workers' comp, and benefits. This calculator breaks down the full employer cost with Iowa's specific tax rates.

Iowa State Tax Details

Iowa levies a flat 3.8% state income tax on all taxable income regardless of how much you earn. This makes tax planning straightforward: for every additional dollar you earn, 3.8 cents goes to Iowa. Iowa does not impose local income taxes, so the 3.8% flat rate is the only state-level income tax you owe.

Take-Home Pay in Iowa at Common Salary Levels

The table below shows what you actually keep at five salary levels in Iowa, accounting for federal tax, FICA, and Iowa's flat 3.8% state tax.

Gross SalaryFederal TaxFICAState TaxTotal TaxTake-HomeEff. Rate
$50,000$3,820$3,825$1,900$9,545$40,45519.1%
$75,000$7,725$5,738$2,850$16,313$58,68821.8%
$100,000$13,225$7,650$3,800$24,675$75,32524.7%
$150,000$24,774$11,475$5,700$41,949$108,05128.0%
$200,000$36,774$14,339$7,600$58,713$141,28729.4%

Employer Cost in Nearby Midwest States

See how Iowa compares to other Midwest states. Each link takes you to the employer cost calculator landing page for that state.

South Dakota0% tax
$79,125+$3,800
North Dakota1.95%
$77,858+$2,533
Nebraska4.55%
$76,168+$843
Kansas5.7%
$75,420+$95
Ohio2.75%
$74,875$450

Explore Iowa in Depth

For a comprehensive breakdown of Iowas tax structure, salary comparisons, cost-of-living analysis, and more, visit the full Iowa take-home pay page.

The Take-Home Tax Guide
Weekly tips on reducing your tax burden, state tax changes, and salary negotiation strategies. Free.