How the federal tax calculator works
This federal income tax calculator follows the same flow as a 1040 tax calculator:
- Total income — wages, SE income, investment income
- Above-the-line deductions → AGI (half SE tax, IRA, student loan interest, HSA)
- Standard or itemized deduction → Taxable income
- Progressive bracket calculation → federal income tax
- Credits (child tax credit) reduce tax owed
- FICA (Social Security + Medicare) added separately
- State tax computed using your selected state's rates
Tip: This tax estimator covers federal + state + FICA in one calculation. For self-employed income, it automatically adds SE tax (15.3%) and deducts half from your AGI — matching what you'd compute on Schedule SE.
2026 federal income tax brackets
The 2026 tax brackets (updated per the OBBB Act) apply to taxable income after deductions:
| Rate | Single | Married (Joint) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $24,800 – $100,800 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $100,800 – $211,400 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | $211,400 – $403,550 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 |
| 37% | $640,600+ | $768,700+ |
2026 standard deduction
Single
$16,100
Head of Household
$24,150
Married Filing Jointly
$32,200
| Filing Status | 2026 Std. Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Head of Household | $24,150 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 |
The standard deduction for 2026 was significantly increased by the OBBB Act. The standard deduction 2026 amounts shown above apply to most filers — about 90% of taxpayers use the standard deduction rather than itemizing.
How tax credits reduce your bill
Unlike deductions (which reduce taxable income), credits reduce your tax dollar-for-dollar. The child tax credit ($2,000/child) is the most common. It phases out above $200K single / $400K married.
Self-employment tax
This tax calculator for self employed adds SE tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net SE income) and deducts half from AGI. Whether you need a married filing jointly tax calculator or a head of household tax calculator, select your filing status above. Select "Self-employment" or "Mixed" income type above. For a detailed breakdown, use our self-employment tax calculator.
Example calculation
$85,000 W-2 income, single, 1 child, $6,000 401(k):
- AGI: $85,000 (no above-the-line deductions for W-2)
- Taxable income: $85,000 − $16,100 std ded − $6,000 401k = $62,900
- Federal tax: $8,550
- Child credit: −$2,000
- FICA: $5,270 SS + $1,233 Med = $6,503
Result: Total tax $13,053 — effective rate 15.4% — net income $65,948
Tax comparison by filing status
Federal income tax (after standard deduction, no credits) at various income levels:
| Income | Single | Married |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $780 |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $2,840 |
| $80,000 | $8,770 | $5,240 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $7,640 |
| $125,000 | $18,734 | $10,640 |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $15,340 |
| $200,000 | $36,734 | $26,340 |
Marginal vs. effective tax rate
Marginal rate
The rate on your last dollar — your bracket. Matters for evaluating raises and deductions.
Effective rate
Total tax ÷ total income — the average rate you pay. Always lower than marginal. Shows true burden.
2025 vs. 2026: what changed
The OBBB Act increased standard deductions significantly. Bracket thresholds shifted upward for inflation. Tax rates remain 10%–37%.
| Item | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Std. deduction (single) | $15,750 | $16,100 ↑ |
| Std. deduction (married) | $31,500 | $32,200 ↑ |
| SS wage base | $176,100 | $184,500 ↑ |
FAQs
How much federal income tax will I owe in 2026?
It depends on your taxable income, filing status, and credits. For a single filer earning $75,000 with the standard deduction ($16,100), taxable income is $58,900, and federal tax is approximately $7,868 before credits. Use the calculator above for your exact estimate based on your specific situation.
What are the 2026 federal tax brackets?
The 2026 brackets have 7 tiers: 10% (up to $12,400 single), 12% ($12,400–$50,400), 22% ($50,400–$105,700), 24% ($105,700–$201,775), 32% ($201,775–$256,225), 35% ($256,225–$640,600), and 37% (above $640,600). Married filing jointly brackets are roughly double. These apply to taxable income after deductions.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For 2026: $16,100 for single filers, $24,150 for head of household, and $32,200 for married filing jointly. Additional standard deduction of $1,600 ($2,000 if single/HoH) for taxpayers 65 or older or blind. About 90% of taxpayers take the standard deduction.
How do I calculate my taxable income?
Start with total income (wages, SE income, investment income). Subtract above-the-line deductions (half SE tax, IRA, student loan interest) to get AGI. Then subtract either the standard deduction or itemized deductions (whichever is larger). The result is your taxable income — the amount subject to federal tax brackets.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Marginal rate is the tax rate on your last dollar of income (your bracket). Effective rate is total tax ÷ total income — the average rate you actually pay. At $75K single, your marginal rate is 22% but your effective rate is about 10.6%. A raise never makes you worse off — only the dollars above the bracket threshold are taxed higher.
What is AGI (adjusted gross income)?
AGI is your total gross income minus specific above-the-line deductions: half of SE tax, IRA contributions, student loan interest, HSA contributions, and educator expenses. AGI appears on line 11 of Form 1040 and determines eligibility for many credits and deductions. It's different from taxable income (which subtracts the standard/itemized deduction from AGI).
How does the child tax credit work?
The child tax credit is $2,000 per qualifying child under 17. Up to $1,700 is refundable (you get it even if you owe no tax). The credit phases out at $200,000 AGI (single) or $400,000 (married) — reduced by $50 for each $1,000 over the threshold. Enter your number of dependents in the calculator to see the impact.
Do I need to file a tax return?
You must file if your gross income exceeds: $16,100 (single under 65), $32,200 (married filing jointly, both under 65), $24,150 (head of household). Self-employed individuals must file if net SE income is $400+. Even if not required, file to claim refundable credits (EITC, child credit) or get a refund of withheld taxes.
How is self-employment income taxed?
Self-employment income is subject to both SE tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net income — covering Social Security + Medicare) AND federal income tax. You can deduct half of SE tax from your AGI. Use the 'Self-employment' income type above or our dedicated self-employment tax calculator for a detailed breakdown.
What is FICA and how much is it?
FICA covers Social Security (6.2% on wages up to $184,500 for 2026) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% on income above $200K single/$250K married). Employers pay a matching amount. Self-employed pay both halves (12.4% SS + 2.9% Medicare = 15.3%). FICA totals 7.65% for most W-2 employees.
Standard deduction vs. itemizing — which is better?
Take whichever is larger. Itemize if your deductible expenses (mortgage interest, state/local taxes up to $10K, charitable donations, medical expenses above 7.5% AGI) exceed the standard deduction. About 90% of filers use the standard deduction since the TCJA nearly doubled it. The calculator above automatically applies the standard deduction.
How does filing status affect my taxes?
Filing status determines your bracket thresholds and standard deduction. Married filing jointly has the widest brackets and largest deduction ($31,500), resulting in the lowest tax at a given income. Head of household ($23,625 deduction) is available for unmarried taxpayers who pay more than half the cost of maintaining a home for a qualifying person.
What changed in 2026 taxes?
For 2026, bracket thresholds and standard deductions were adjusted upward for inflation following the OBBB Act (signed July 2025). Standard deductions are now $16,100 single (up from $15,750), $32,200 married (up from $31,500). The 7 tax rates (10%–37%) remain unchanged. The larger standard deduction means slightly lower taxes for most filers at the same income.
How do I estimate my tax refund?
Your refund = total tax withheld (from W-2 box 2 + estimated payments) minus total tax owed. If withholding exceeds what you owe, you get a refund. If you owe more than was withheld, you have a balance due. Use this federal tax calculator to estimate your total tax, then compare against your withholding to estimate your refund or amount owed.
How many allowances should I claim on my W-4?
The current W-4 (2020 and later) no longer uses allowances. Instead, you adjust withholding through Steps 2–4 on the form: Step 2 for multiple jobs, Step 3 for dependents, and Step 4 for other adjustments (extra income, deductions, additional withholding). If you have one job and no dependents, the default settings usually result in correct withholding. For complex situations, use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at irs.gov.
What is federal withholding?
Federal withholding is the amount your employer deducts from each paycheck for federal income tax, based on your W-4 selections and filing status. The goal is to prepay your tax liability throughout the year so you don't owe a large sum at tax time. If too much is withheld, you'll get a refund; too little, and you'll owe the difference. Adjust your W-4 to fine-tune your withholding.
What is a tax write-off?
A tax write-off (deduction) reduces your taxable income, which lowers the tax you owe. Common write-offs include the standard deduction ($16,100 single in 2026), mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT, up to $10,000), charitable donations, and medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI. A $1,000 write-off in the 22% bracket saves you $220 in federal tax — it's a reduction in taxable income, not a dollar-for-dollar credit.
What is tax liability?
Your tax liability is the total amount of tax you owe to the federal (and state) government for the year, before credits and payments are applied. It includes federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Credits (like the child tax credit) reduce your liability dollar-for-dollar. Payments (withholding, estimated payments) are then subtracted — if payments exceed liability, you receive a refund.
Do I have to file taxes?
In 2026, you must file a federal tax return if your gross income exceeds: $16,100 (single under 65), $32,200 (married filing jointly, both under 65), or $24,150 (head of household). Self-employed individuals must file if they earn $400 or more in net self-employment income. Even if you're below these thresholds, file if you had taxes withheld (to get a refund) or qualify for refundable credits like the EITC.
What is a tax ID number?
A tax ID (Taxpayer Identification Number, or TIN) identifies you for tax purposes. For individuals, it's your Social Security Number (SSN). Non-citizens who aren't eligible for an SSN use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For businesses, it's an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — you can apply for an EIN free at IRS.gov. LLCs, corporations, and partnerships all need an EIN to file business taxes and open bank accounts.
When does tax season start?
The IRS typically begins accepting tax returns in late January each year. For the 2026 tax year (filed in early 2027), the filing deadline is April 15, 2027. If you need more time, you can file Form 4868 for an automatic 6-month extension until October 15, 2027 — but the extension is only for filing, not for payment. Any taxes owed are still due by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.