1Utah
Lowest21.1%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,409
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,817
- Net income (annual)
- $59,184
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Montana vs Utah Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $468 less state income tax a year in Utah than in Montana, which is about $39 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,330 in favor of Utah.
Montana: up to 5.65%Utah: 4.5% flatUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare Montana and Utah 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.
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
Utah
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,318
Monthly take-home$4,932
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 Utah: how the two systems differ
| Montana | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 2 brackets | Flat 4.5% |
| Top rate | 5.65% | 4.5% |
| Lowest rate | 4.7% | 4.5% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $16,100 standard deduction | $966 personal credit |
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.
| Income | MT state tax | UT state tax | Difference | MT take-home | UT take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $653 | $384 | $269 less in Utah | $25,632 | $25,901 |
| $40,000 | $1,123 | $834 | $289 less in Utah | $33,197 | $33,486 |
| $50,000 | $1,593 | $1,284 | $309 less in Utah | $40,762 | $41,071 |
| $60,000 | $2,063 | $1,734 | $329 less in Utah | $48,327 | $48,656 |
| $75,000 | $2,877 | $2,409 | $468 less in Utah | $58,716 | $59,184 |
| $100,000 | $4,289 | $3,534 | $755 less in Utah | $74,891 | $75,646 |
| $150,000 | $7,114 | $5,784 | $1,330 less in Utah | $106,677 | $108,007 |
| $250,000 | $12,764 | $10,284 | $2,480 less in Utah | $170,418 | $172,898 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | MT state tax | UT state tax | Difference | MT take-home | UT take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,012 | $1,443 | $569 less in Utah | $62,611 | $63,180 |
| $100,000 | $3,187 | $2,568 | $619 less in Utah | $81,523 | $82,142 |
| $150,000 | $5,753 | $4,818 | $935 less in Utah | $117,432 | $118,367 |
| $250,000 | $11,403 | $9,318 | $2,085 less in Utah | $186,065 | $188,150 |
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 Utah charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Utah is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Montana (single filers)
| 4.7% | Up to $47,500 |
| 5.65% | Over $47,500 |
Utah (single filers)
| 4.5% | Over $0 |
- Utah: Utah’s credit phases out as income rises, which is not modeled here.
Full details for each state: Montana income tax calculator and Utah income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Montana vs Utah FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Montana or Utah?+
Utah is lower at $75,000: $2,409 of state income tax versus $2,877 in Montana. At $150,000 it is $7,114 in Montana and $5,784 in Utah. For a single filer, Montana and Utah charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Utah is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Montana versus Utah?+
A single filer keeping $74,891 a year in Montana would keep $75,646 in Utah after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $755 a year, or $63 a month.
How do the Montana and Utah income tax systems differ?+
Montana uses progressive rates up to 5.65%; Utah uses a flat 4.5% rate. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Montana vs Utah 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 Utah 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
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.