Money · Tax
2026 Income Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax, see how it's taxed bracket by bracket, and check whether your withholding points to a refund or a bill.
Your result
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2026 federal tax brackets
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | to $50,400 | to $100,800 | to $67,450 |
| 22% | to $105,700 | to $211,400 | to $105,700 |
| 24% | to $201,775 | to $403,550 | to $201,750 |
| 32% | to $256,225 | to $512,450 | to $256,200 |
| 35% | to $640,600 | to $768,700 | to $640,600 |
| 37% | over $640,600 | over $768,700 | over $640,600 |
Standard deduction for 2026: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household. People 65 or older add $2,050 (unmarried) or $1,650 per spouse, plus the new senior deduction of up to $6,000 per person through 2028.
How it's calculated
Tax = Each slice of taxable income × its bracket rate − Child Tax Credit Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar. Your effective rate is total tax ÷ income, which is always lower. The Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per child under 17, up to $1,700 of it refundable, and phases out by $50 per $1,000 of income over $200,000 ($400,000 joint).
Worked example
- Taxable income = $85,000 − $16,100 = $68,900
- 10% × $12,400 = $1,240
- 12% × ($50,400 − $12,400) = $4,560
- 22% × ($68,900 − $50,400) = $4,070
- Total tax = $9,870, an effective rate of about 11.6%, even though the top bracket is 22%
Common questions
Will moving into a higher bracket reduce my take-home pay?
No. Only the dollars above each bracket's threshold are taxed at the higher rate, so a raise always leaves you with more after federal income tax. Some credits and benefits do phase out with income, which can feel like a higher rate.
What's the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal rate is the bracket your last dollar falls in. Your effective rate is your total tax divided by your income. Because lower slices are taxed at 10% and 12%, the effective rate is usually far below the marginal rate.
Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?
You get whichever is larger. Since the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers in 2026, itemizing usually helps only with large mortgage interest, state and local taxes (the SALT cap is $40,400 for 2026 for most filers) or charitable gifts. A tax professional can help with your situation.
Why might I owe even though tax was withheld?
Withholding is an estimate. Side income, a second job, investment income or claiming fewer allowances than needed can leave a gap. Enter your year-to-date withholding above to see an estimated refund or balance due.
What isn't included?
Capital-gains rates, self-employment tax, the Earned Income Tax Credit, education credits, the tips and overtime deductions, AMT and state tax. Treat this as a ballpark for planning, not a tax return.