Washington, DC Tax-Equivalent Yield Calculator (2026)

DC rules have changed. Find the yield required to match a DC-issued municipal bond.

Locked to Washington, DC

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Defaults to top marginal bracket. Advanced users may edit or change.

2026 Target Yield

Tax-Equivalent Yield

7.22%
Federal Marginal Rate37%
NIIT Surtax(?)
3.8%
State Marginal Rate10.75%
Total Marginal Tax51.55%

To match a 3.50% tax-free yield, a taxable bond must pay 7.22%.

Tax efficiency applies to both income and capital gains.If you are optimizing after-tax bond income, you may also benefit from reviewing ETF correlation data for tax-loss harvesting.

Explore ETF Tax-Loss Pairs

Estimates based on projected 2026 marginal tax brackets. Assumes in-state municipal bond (exempt from Federal & State tax). Consult a tax professional for specific advice.

TaxLossPairs.com
Tax Logic

Macro Tax Perspective: The Reciprocity Trap

DC’s repeal of universal tax-exemption for out-of-state bonds means residents can no longer "muni-shop" across the nation tax-free.

Residents must now focus specifically on DC-issued debt or regional authorities to capture the full 10.75% local tax benefit.

Local Tax FAQs

How is the DC tax rate in this calculator determined?

We use the top marginal rate of 10.75% for taxable income exceeding $1 million.

Do I pay DC tax on municipal bonds from other states?

Yes. DC repealed its universal exemption; interest from MD or VA bonds is now generally taxable for DC residents.

How does the 2026 SALT cap affect DC muni bond savings?

The federal cap rose to $40,400 but phases down for high earners, keeping DC tax avoidance a high priority for investors.

Which bonds ARE tax-free for DC?

Only bonds specifically issued by the District of Columbia or certain regional authorities like WMATA.

Advanced Tax Strategy

Optimize Your Capital Gains

High earners often pair tax-free income with strategic loss harvesting. Have realized losses? Use our decision engine to check if you should harvest.

Open Decision Engine→