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Income Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax liability using the latest progressive tax brackets and standard deduction.
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Estimated Federal Tax
Effective Tax Rate
Marginal Tax Rate
After-Tax Income
Taxable Income
Federal income tax estimate only. Does not include state tax, FICA, or deductions beyond the standard deduction. Consult a tax professional for accurate tax advice.
Calculated in your browser. We never see your numbers.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your annual gross income — the total amount you earn before any taxes or deductions. Then select your filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separately. Click Calculate to see your estimated federal income tax, effective tax rate, marginal tax rate, after-tax income, and taxable income. Results are based on the 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions.
Federal Income Tax Formula
Federal income tax is calculated using a progressive bracket system. First, your standard deduction is subtracted from your gross income to determine taxable income. Then, each portion of taxable income is taxed at the corresponding rate: taxableIncome = max(0, grossIncome − standardDeduction). The tax for each bracket is computed as: (min(taxableIncome, bracket.max) − bracket.min) × bracket.rate. Your effective rate is the total tax divided by gross income, and the marginal rate is the rate of the highest bracket you reach.
Example Calculation
Suppose you earn $50,000 as a single filer. Your standard deduction is $15,000, leaving $35,000 in taxable income. The first $11,925 is taxed at 10% ($1,192.50), and the remaining $23,075 is taxed at 12% ($2,769.00), for a total federal tax of $3,961.50. Your effective tax rate is about 7.92%, your marginal rate is 12%, and your after-tax income is $46,038.50.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How are federal income taxes calculated?
Federal income taxes use a progressive bracket system. First, your standard deduction is subtracted from your gross income to get taxable income. Then, portions of your taxable income are taxed at increasing rates — 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% — depending on how much falls in each bracket. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For 2026, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and married filing separately, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for head of household. These amounts are typically adjusted annually for inflation.
What is a marginal vs effective tax rate?
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to the last dollar you earned — the highest bracket you reach. Your effective tax rate is your total tax divided by your gross income, representing the average rate you actually pay. For example, a single filer with $50,000 gross income has a marginal rate of 12% but an effective rate of about 7.9%.
How does filing status affect my taxes?
Filing status determines which standard deduction and tax brackets apply. Married filing jointly (MFJ) has wider brackets and a higher standard deduction ($30,000), which usually results in lower taxes than filing separately. Head of household offers better rates than single filers for qualifying individuals who support dependents. Married filing separately typically results in higher taxes than MFJ.
Are the 2026 tax brackets different from 2025?
Yes, the IRS adjusts tax brackets and standard deductions annually for inflation. The 2026 standard deductions are $15,000 (single/MFS), $30,000 (MFJ), and $22,500 (HOH) — slightly higher than 2025 levels. The bracket thresholds are also adjusted upward each year. Always use the most current brackets for accurate estimates.
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