Washington vs Texas Taxes (2026): What Changes When You Move

Bottom line: The two states are close on state income tax - the difference on a $75,000 salary is under $500/year.

Salary (single)Washington taxTexas taxDifference
$50,000$0$0Same
$75,000$0$0Same
$100,000$0$0Same
$150,000$0$0Same
$250,000$0$0Same

State income tax

Washington: Washington has no state income tax on earned income. A 7% capital gains tax applies to long-term gains exceeding $270,000.

Texas: Texas has no state income tax. The Texas Constitution prohibits a personal income tax without voter approval. The state relies heavily on property and sales taxes.

What actually changes when you move

Your state income tax is set by where you are a resident, not where your employer is. To stop paying Washington tax you must genuinely establish residency in Texas - register to vote, change your driver's license and car registration, move your primary home, and spend more than half the year there. High-tax states like Washington audit departing high earners, so keep records of your move date.

In the year you move you typically file a part-year resident return in both states: Washington taxes income earned while you lived there, Texas taxes the rest. Remote workers should note that a handful of states tax income sourced to the state even for non-residents - check before assuming a clean break.

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas have state income tax?

Texas has NO state income tax - one of nine states with no wage income tax.

How much will I save moving from Washington to Texas?

On a $75,000 single-filer salary, the state income tax difference is about $0/year (in your favor). Use the calculator for your exact income.

Do I still owe Washington tax after moving?

Once you establish residency in Texas and break Washington residency, new income is taxed by Texas. Washington can still tax income earned while you were a resident - file a part-year return for the move year.

Run your exact numbers

Washington tax calculator · Texas tax calculator · Paycheck calculator

Estimates use 2026 state brackets and the standard deduction for a single filer; they exclude local taxes, credits and federal tax. Verify with a tax professional before relocating.