Tax Bracket Calculator
Federal Income Tax ·
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2026 Federal Tax Brackets
The US uses a progressive tax system — meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. You only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold, not on your entire income.
Single Filers — 2026
| Taxable Income | Rate | Tax on Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| $0 — $11,925 | 10% | Up to $1,192.50 |
| $11,926 — $48,475 | 12% | Up to $4,386.00 |
| $48,476 — $103,350 | 22% | Up to $12,072.50 |
| $103,351 — $197,300 | 24% | Up to $22,544.00 |
| $197,301 — $250,525 | 32% | Up to $17,031.00 |
| $250,526 — $626,350 | 35% | Up to $131,554.50 |
| Over $626,350 | 37% | 37% on excess |
Standard deductions for 2026: $15,000 Single · $30,000 Married Filing Jointly · $22,500 Head of Household. These reduce your taxable income before any bracket applies.
Note: These are federal income tax brackets only. They do not include FICA taxes (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%) or state income taxes. Use our Paycheck Calculator to see your full take-home pay.
For informational purposes only. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice. Verify current rates at irs.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?+
Your marginal rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — the highest bracket you reach. Your effective rate is total tax divided by total income, always lower than the marginal rate because lower portions of your income are taxed at lower rates. Most people in the 22% marginal bracket have an effective rate of 12-15%.
Does getting a raise push all my income into a higher bracket?+
No — this is the most common tax misconception. Only the income above the bracket threshold is taxed at the higher rate. If you earn $50,000 as a single filer, only $1,525 (the amount above $48,475) is taxed at 22%. The rest is taxed at 10% and 12% as before. A raise never reduces your take-home pay.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?+
The 2026 standard deductions are: $15,000 for Single filers and Married Filing Separately, $30,000 for Married Filing Jointly, and $22,500 for Head of Household. This amount is subtracted from your gross income before calculating tax. Only itemize deductions if they exceed your standard deduction.
How can I lower my tax bracket?+
Legal ways to reduce your taxable income include: 401(k) or IRA contributions (reduce taxable income dollar-for-dollar), HSA contributions, business deductions if self-employed, charitable donations if itemizing, and capital loss harvesting. Pre-tax retirement contributions are especially powerful — maxing a 401(k) at $23,500 in 2026 saves $5,170 in federal taxes for someone in the 22% bracket.
What is the best filing status for taxes?+
Married Filing Jointly usually produces the lowest tax bill for married couples since brackets are roughly doubled compared to Single. Head of Household is better than Single for qualifying single parents. Married Filing Separately is rarely beneficial except in specific situations like income-driven student loan repayments. You can compare statuses in our calculator.
Are capital gains taxed at the same rates?+
No. Long-term capital gains (assets held over 1 year) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income — much lower than ordinary income rates. Short-term capital gains (held under 1 year) are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate. This is why holding investments for over a year is generally advantageous.
What is the top federal tax rate in 2026?+
The top federal income tax rate in 2026 is 37%, applied to taxable income above $626,350 for single filers and $751,600 for married filing jointly. This affects less than 1% of taxpayers. Note that this is the marginal rate on income above the threshold — even top earners don't pay 37% on all their income.
How do I calculate my estimated tax payment?+
If you are self-employed or have significant non-wage income, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. The safe harbor rule allows you to avoid penalties by paying either 90% of your current year tax or 100% of last year's tax (110% if income was over $150,000). Use this calculator to estimate your annual tax, then divide by 4 for quarterly payments.