Federal Income Tax Calculator (2026 Brackets)
This 2026 federal income tax calculator estimates regular federal income tax after the standard deduction and selected credits. It uses 2026 tax brackets and standard deduction amounts published by the IRS.
Quick answer
Federal income tax is progressive: only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket’s rate. Your marginal rate is not applied to all taxable income.
At a glance
- What it calculates
- Estimate 2026 federal income tax using current brackets and standard deductions.
- Who it is for
- US filers estimating a federal tax bill or checking a marginal rate before a financial decision.
- Coverage
- United States (federal rules; state and local rules vary)
- Data and assumptions
- 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction for the filing status chosen; no credits, itemised deductions, AMT, state tax or self-employment tax.
- Cost
- Free, no signup, calculations run in your browser
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-09
Calculator
How to use this calculator
- Enter gross annual income.
- Select a federal filing status.
- Add any extra deductions and estimated credits.
- Review taxable income, marginal rate, effective rate, and estimated tax.
Explanation
What it is
This 2026 federal income tax calculator estimates regular federal income tax after the standard deduction and selected credits. It uses 2026 tax brackets and standard deduction amounts published by the IRS.
How it works
The calculator subtracts the selected 2026 standard deduction and other entered deductions from gross income, then applies each progressive tax bracket. Entered credits reduce estimated tax dollar for dollar, not below zero.
When to use it
Use it when estimating a federal tax bill, checking a marginal rate before a bonus or Roth conversion, or sanity-checking withholding.
Limitations
- Only the standard deduction and ordinary income brackets are applied.
- Credits, itemised deductions, capital gains rates, AMT and self-employment tax are excluded.
- State and local income tax is not calculated.
Key terms
- Gross income
- Income before deductions and credits.
- Taxable income
- Income remaining after applicable deductions.
- Marginal tax rate
- The rate applied to the next dollar of taxable income.
- Effective tax rate
- Estimated tax divided by gross income.
- Tax credit
- An amount that directly reduces tax, subject to eligibility rules.
Formula
The calculator subtracts the selected 2026 standard deduction and other entered deductions from gross income, then applies each progressive tax bracket. Entered credits reduce estimated tax dollar for dollar, not below zero.
Worked example
For $85,000 of gross income, the calculator subtracts the selected 2026 standard deduction, applies each progressive bracket, and then subtracts entered credits.
FAQ
What are the federal tax brackets for 2026?
For 2026, regular federal income tax rates remain 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The taxable-income ranges differ by filing status.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For 2026, the standard deduction is $16,100 for single or married filing separately, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household.
Why is my marginal tax rate higher than my effective rate?
The marginal rate applies only to the top portion of taxable income. Lower portions are taxed at lower rates, so the average effective rate is usually lower.
Does this estimate include state income tax?
No. State and local taxes, self-employment tax, alternative minimum tax, net investment income tax, and many special rules are outside this simplified estimate.
Can I use this result to file my tax return?
No. Use official IRS forms, approved software, or a qualified tax professional. This tool is for general planning only.
Does the calculator include child tax credits or itemized deductions automatically?
No. Enter estimated credits and additional deductions only when you understand your eligibility. The calculator does not determine eligibility for specific tax provisions.
How do I work out income tax backwards from take-home pay?
Estimate the tax at a trial gross amount, compare the resulting net figure with your actual take-home pay, and adjust the gross until they match. Payroll withholding also includes Social Security, Medicare and state tax, so isolate those before reversing the federal figure.
What is the difference between the effective and marginal tax rate?
The marginal rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of taxable income. The effective rate is total tax divided by total income, and it is always lower because earlier income is taxed in lower brackets.
Common mistakes
- Applying the marginal rate to all income.
- Confusing deductions with credits.
- Assuming the estimate includes state tax.
- Using the result as a filed tax return.
Tips
- Use the correct tax year.
- Check eligibility before entering deductions or credits.
- Compare withholding with the projected annual liability.
- Use official IRS forms or qualified help for filing.
Sources and editorial review
Educational estimates only; not personalized financial, tax, legal, lending, investment, or insurance advice.