2026 federal income tax brackets
The IRS adjusts brackets for inflation every year. These apply to income earned in 2026, reported on returns filed in 2027. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 made the seven rates from 10% to 37% permanent.
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household | Married filing separately |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $12,400 | $0 to $24,800 | $0 to $17,700 | $0 to $12,400 |
| 12% | $12,401 to $50,400 | $24,801 to $100,800 | $17,701 to $67,450 | $12,401 to $50,400 |
| 22% | $50,401 to $105,700 | $100,801 to $211,400 | $67,451 to $105,700 | $50,401 to $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 to $201,775 | $211,401 to $403,550 | $105,701 to $201,750 | $105,701 to $201,775 |
| 32% | $201,776 to $256,225 | $403,551 to $512,450 | $201,751 to $256,200 | $201,776 to $256,225 |
| 35% | $256,226 to $640,600 | $512,451 to $768,700 | $256,201 to $640,600 | $256,226 to $384,350 |
| 37% | over $640,600 | over $768,700 | over $640,600 | over $384,350 |
How brackets work
The US uses a progressive tax system: income is taxed at increasing rates as it falls into higher brackets. Crucially, only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate, not your entire income.
For example, if you earn $50,000 and file as single, you first subtract the $16,100 standard deduction, leaving $33,900 of taxable income. The first $12,400 is taxed at 10%, the rest at 12%, for a total of $3,820. Your effective tax rate is your actual total tax divided by your gross income, which is always lower than your marginal rate.
Effective Rate = Total Tax Paid / Gross Income × 100
Standard deduction for 2026
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income before tax brackets are applied. For most taxpayers it is larger than itemized deductions, making it the better choice. You should only itemize if your deductible expenses (mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable donations) exceed the standard deduction.
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single or married filing separately | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
| Extra if 65+ or blind, unmarried | +$2,050 |
| Extra if 65+ or blind, married (each) | +$1,650 |
New deductions for 2025 to 2028
The 2025 tax law added four temporary deductions you can take whether or not you itemize:
- Tips: up to $25,000 of qualified tips in occupations that customarily receive them. Reduced by $100 for every $1,000 of income over $150,000 ($300,000 joint).
- Overtime: the premium part of overtime pay (the "half" in time-and-a-half), up to $12,500, or $25,000 joint, with the same phase-out.
- Seniors: $6,000 per person aged 65 or older, on top of the regular extra standard deduction. Reduced by 6% of income over $75,000 ($150,000 joint).
- Car loan interest: up to $10,000 on a new US-assembled car bought for personal use. Not included in this calculator; subtract it via the itemized field if it applies.
Married people filing separately cannot claim the tips, overtime or senior deductions.
Capital gains rates
Long-term gains and qualified dividends are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on where they land when stacked on top of your other taxable income. In 2026 the 0% rate applies up to $49,450 of taxable income for single filers and $98,900 for joint filers; the 20% rate starts above $545,500 and $613,700. High earners also pay the 3.8% net investment income tax on investment income above $200,000 ($250,000 joint).
Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
Employees pay 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to $184,500 in 2026 and 1.45% Medicare tax on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 ($250,000 joint). Pre-tax 401(k) contributions still count as wages for FICA, while most health premiums and HSA payroll contributions do not. The calculator treats all pre-tax contributions as 401(k) for FICA purposes, which slightly overstates FICA if yours are HSA.
What This Calculator Does Not Include
- State income tax: ranges from 0% (Texas, Florida) to 13.3% (California top bracket). We use a flat estimate you set.
- Self-employment tax: 15.3% if self-employed (covers both employer and employee share).
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): may apply to high earners with large deductions.
- Other credits such as the earned income credit, education credits and energy credits.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on federal income tax brackets. Tax laws change frequently. For accurate tax filing, consult a licensed CPA or tax professional.