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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Montana vs Texas Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $2,877 less state income tax a year in Texas than in Montana, which is about $240 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $7,114 in favor of Texas.

Montana: up to 5.65%Texas: no state taxUpdated October 10, 2026

Compare Montana and Texas for your income

Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.

State comparison

Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.

1Texas

Lowest

17.9%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$0
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$13,408
Net income (annual)
$61,593

2Montana

21.7%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,877
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$16,284
Net income (annual)
$58,716

Advanced analysis (optional)

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💰 Monthly breakdown

Your take-home pay, spread across the year

Texas

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,117
Monthly take-home$5,133

Montana

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,357
Monthly take-home$4,893

Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.

Montana vs Texas: how the two systems differ

MontanaTexas
Wage income taxProgressive, 2 bracketsNo tax on wages
Top rate5.65%0%
Lowest rate4.7%0%
Deductions and credits (single)$16,100 standard deductionNot applicable

State income tax and take-home pay at every salary

The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.

IncomeMT state taxTX state taxDifferenceMT take-homeTX take-home
$30,000$653$0$653 less in Texas$25,632$26,285
$40,000$1,123$0$1,123 less in Texas$33,197$34,320
$50,000$1,593$0$1,593 less in Texas$40,762$42,355
$60,000$2,063$0$2,063 less in Texas$48,327$50,390
$75,000$2,877$0$2,877 less in Texas$58,716$61,593
$100,000$4,289$0$4,289 less in Texas$74,891$79,180
$150,000$7,114$0$7,114 less in Texas$106,677$113,791
$250,000$12,764$0$12,764 less in Texas$170,418$183,182

Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.

Married filing jointly

IncomeMT state taxTX state taxDifferenceMT take-homeTX take-home
$75,000$2,012$0$2,012 less in Texas$62,611$64,623
$100,000$3,187$0$3,187 less in Texas$81,523$84,710
$150,000$5,753$0$5,753 less in Texas$117,432$123,185
$250,000$11,403$0$11,403 less in Texas$186,065$197,468

Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.

Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?

For a single filer, Montana and Texas charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Texas is the lower-tax state.

Rates side by side

Montana (single filers)

4.7%Up to $47,500
5.65%Over $47,500

Texas (single filers)

Texas has no state personal income tax. Its constitution restricts one. State revenue comes mainly from sales tax and property taxes set locally.

Full details for each state: Montana income tax calculator and Texas income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.

Montana vs Texas FAQ

Which has lower income tax, Montana or Texas?+

Texas is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $2,877 in Montana. At $150,000 it is $7,114 in Montana and $0 in Texas. For a single filer, Montana and Texas charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Texas is the lower-tax state.

How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Montana versus Texas?+

A single filer keeping $74,891 a year in Montana would keep $79,180 in Texas after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $4,289 a year, or $357 a month.

How do the Montana and Texas income tax systems differ?+

Montana uses progressive rates up to 5.65%; Texas has no tax on wages. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.

Are local taxes included in this Montana vs Texas comparison?+

No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.

Should I move from Montana to Texas to save on taxes?+

State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.

Sources

Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.

More state comparisons

Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.