Northern VA tech salary math
NOVA tech salaries (Amazon HQ2, Microsoft, government contractors) average $150K–$220K at senior levels. At those incomes, VA's 5.75% top rate is effectively a flat tax — no meaningful difference vs. higher earners.
VA vs. DC vs. MD commuter triangle
VA: 5.75% top, no local. DC: ~8.95% top, no local. MD: 5.75% top + ~3.2% county = ~9%. VA residents working in DC owe only VA tax (DC has no commuter tax). VA is the tax-efficient leg of the triangle.
VA standard deduction parity
VA's $8,500 standard deduction (single) is competitive but well below federal's $15,000. Itemizing in VA only helps if your state-specific deductions (mortgage interest, charitable) exceed $8,500.
FAQ
Why does VA have a 'flat-like' tax despite graduated brackets?
VA's top bracket starts at just $17,000 — anyone earning $50K+ pays effectively 5.75% on almost all marginal income. Brackets matter only for very low incomes.
Does VA tax Social Security?
No. VA exempts Social Security benefits. Up to $12,000 of other retirement income may be deducted (age-based).
Do I owe VA tax if I work in DC?
VA residents working in DC owe only VA tax (DC and VA have reciprocity). DC residents working in VA owe only DC tax. No double-taxation issue.
How this calculator is built
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Written by Sam Doshi and the RevenueLab editorial team. We don't sell the data feeds this tool is built on.
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Last reviewed
June 2026. We re-check every figure on the platform on a rolling quarterly cycle.
Editorial standards
See our editorial policy and disclaimer. Results are estimates, not advice.