Income Tax Calculator
Estimate your federal income tax. See your tax bracket, marginal rate, effective tax rate, and take-home pay — with a full tax bracket breakdown and visual chart.
| Rate | Income Range | Taxable Amount | Tax Owed |
|---|
2026 Federal Tax Brackets Explained
The United States uses a progressive tax system — meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income. Your "tax bracket" refers to the highest rate you pay, but not all your income is taxed at that rate. Use our income tax calculator above to see exactly how your income is split across brackets. To understand your full take-home pay, also try our salary calculator.
📊 2026 Tax Brackets — Single Filers
| Rate | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 |
| 12% | $11,926 – $48,475 |
| 22% | $48,476 – $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,351 – $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,301 – $250,525 |
| 35% | $250,526 – $626,350 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 |
💡 Tax-Saving Strategies
- Maximize 401(k): Contribute up to $23,500 (2026) pre-tax — directly reduces taxable income
- IRA contributions: Traditional IRA up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+) may be deductible
- HSA contributions: Health Savings Account — triple tax advantage
- Itemize deductions: If mortgage interest + state taxes + charity exceeds standard deduction
- Tax-loss harvesting: Offset capital gains with investment losses
- Child tax credit: Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17
- Business deductions: Home office, equipment, vehicle if self-employed
📝 Standard Deduction 2026
| Filing Status | Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $15,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $30,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,000 |
| Head of Household | $22,500 |
Most taxpayers benefit from the standard deduction. Use our tax calculator to compare both options.
🔢 Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate
Marginal Rate: The rate on your last dollar of income — your "tax bracket." Being in the 22% bracket does NOT mean you pay 22% on all your income.
Effective Rate: Your actual tax rate — total tax divided by total income. This is always lower than your marginal rate.
Example: A single filer earning $75,000 in 2026 is in the 22% bracket but has an effective rate of only about 13–14% because lower portions of income are taxed at 10% and 12%.