Income Tax Calculator
Federal income tax in the U.S. is progressive, which means you pay higher rates on each additional dollar of income as it crosses bracket thresholds — not on your entire income at your top rate, a common misconception that overstates the tax people actually owe. This calculator estimates your 2026 federal income tax using the seven brackets (10% to 37%) and the standard deduction, then shows your taxable income, your estimated tax, your effective rate, and your after-tax income so you can see the full picture at a glance. Enter your gross annual income and your filing status, and the calculator returns your estimated federal tax, effective rate, and after-tax income. Understanding the difference between your marginal rate (the rate on your last dollar of income) and your effective rate (your total tax divided by total income) matters for planning: your marginal rate tells you the value of an additional deduction or contribution, while your effective rate tells you what you actually pay overall, and the effective rate is always lower than the marginal rate. The calculator includes the standard deduction — $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married filing jointly), and $22,500 (head of household) for 2026 — but it excludes FICA taxes (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45% on earned income up to the wage base), state income taxes, tax credits like the child tax credit, and itemized deductions, all of which change your actual bill. Take whichever deduction is larger — standard or itemized — and factor in credits separately, since credits reduce tax dollar for dollar and are far more valuable than deductions. Use this calculator for tax planning and withholding decisions, to estimate what you'll owe before you file, and to see how a raise, a deduction, or a retirement contribution changes your tax, which is the foundation of smart year-round tax planning.
Income Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax using progressive brackets and the standard deduction.
Estimated federal tax
$12,514
Effective rate 13%
Taxable income
$80,000
After $15,000 deduction
After-tax income
$82,486
Uses 2026 federal brackets and the standard deduction. Excludes state taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), credits, and itemized deductions. Your actual liability may differ.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your gross annual income.
- 2Select your filing status.
- 3Read your estimated federal tax and effective rate.
Why It Helps
- ✓Uses progressive 2026 federal brackets.
- ✓Includes the standard deduction.
- ✓Shows effective vs. marginal rate.
- ✓Helps with tax planning and withholding.
About This Calculator
Federal income tax in the U.S. is progressive, which means you pay higher rates on each additional dollar of income as it crosses bracket thresholds — not on your entire income at your top rate, a common misconception that overstates the tax people actually owe. This calculator estimates your 2026 federal income tax using the seven brackets (10% to 37%) and the standard deduction, then shows your taxable income, your estimated tax, your effective rate, and your after-tax income so you can see the full picture at a glance. Enter your gross annual income and your filing status, and the calculator returns your estimated federal tax, effective rate, and after-tax income. Understanding the difference between your marginal rate (the rate on your last dollar of income) and your effective rate (your total tax divided by total income) matters for planning: your marginal rate tells you the value of an additional deduction or contribution, while your effective rate tells you what you actually pay overall, and the effective rate is always lower than the marginal rate. The calculator includes the standard deduction — $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married filing jointly), and $22,500 (head of household) for 2026 — but it excludes FICA taxes (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45% on earned income up to the wage base), state income taxes, tax credits like the child tax credit, and itemized deductions, all of which change your actual bill. Take whichever deduction is larger — standard or itemized — and factor in credits separately, since credits reduce tax dollar for dollar and are far more valuable than deductions. Use this calculator for tax planning and withholding decisions, to estimate what you'll owe before you file, and to see how a raise, a deduction, or a retirement contribution changes your tax, which is the foundation of smart year-round tax planning.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results depend on assumptions that may not reflect your actual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between marginal and effective rate?
Marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar of income. Effective rate is your total tax divided by total income — always lower than your marginal rate.
Does this include FICA taxes?
No. FICA (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%) is separate and applies to earned income up to the Social Security wage base.
Should I take the standard or itemized deduction?
Take whichever is larger. The 2026 standard deduction is $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married), $22,500 (head of household). Itemize only if your deductions exceed these.
Does this include tax credits?
No. Credits (like the child tax credit) reduce tax dollar for dollar and are more valuable than deductions. Factor them in separately.
Does it include state income tax?
No. Use the state tax calculator separately. Most states also tax income, with widely varying rates.
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Written by
James MitchellSenior Financial Analyst & Personal Finance Expert
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) • MBA in Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business