Income Tax
Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal and state income tax. See exactly how your income flows through each bracket, apply deductions and credits, and find out if you'll get a refund.
Updated May 2026 · 2026 projected brackets · Read our methodology
How federal income tax works
The US uses a progressive tax system. Your income isn't taxed at a single flat rate — instead, it's divided into segments called brackets. Each bracket is taxed at a higher rate than the one before it. The bracket waterfall chart above shows exactly how your income flows through each tier.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Your AGI is your total gross income minus above-the-line deductions like the self-employment tax deduction (50% of SE tax). AGI determines eligibility for many credits and deduction phase-outs.
Standard vs. itemized deduction
You can take the standard deduction or itemize. The calculator shows both totals to help you decide. Itemizing makes sense when your mortgage interest, state/local taxes (capped at $10,000), charitable contributions, and qualifying medical expenses exceed the standard deduction.
Methodology & limitations
- Uses 2026 projected federal tax brackets and standard deductions.
- State taxes use simplified bracket structures — local taxes, surtaxes, and state-specific credits are not modeled.
- EITC uses projected 2026 parameters; actual thresholds may differ slightly.
- Education credits use simplified maximum amounts without income phase-out.
- Does not model AMT, estimated tax payments, or prior-year carryovers.
- Withholding auto-estimate assumes standard W-4 matching your filing status.
- Self-employment tax uses the 92.35% net earnings factor and applies the 50% deduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is my marginal vs effective tax rate?
How do tax brackets work?
Should I take the standard or itemized deduction?
How accurate is the refund estimate?
What tax credits reduce what I owe?
This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a licensed tax professional for decisions specific to your situation.
2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets
Projected brackets based on IRS inflation adjustments.
Single
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,925 – $48,475 | 12% |
| $48,475 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,350 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,300 – $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,525 – $626,350 | 35% |
| Over $626,350 | 37% |
Married Filing Jointly
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $23,850 | 10% |
| $23,850 – $96,950 | 12% |
| $96,950 – $206,700 | 22% |
| $206,700 – $394,600 | 24% |
| $394,600 – $501,050 | 32% |
| $501,050 – $751,600 | 35% |
| Over $751,600 | 37% |
Married Filing Separately
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,925 – $48,475 | 12% |
| $48,475 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,350 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,300 – $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,525 – $375,800 | 35% |
| Over $375,800 | 37% |
Head of Household
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $17,000 | 10% |
| $17,000 – $64,850 | 12% |
| $64,850 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,350 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,300 – $250,500 | 32% |
| $250,500 – $626,350 | 35% |
| Over $626,350 | 37% |