Federal Income Tax Calculator
Model your federal tax liability under official 2026 inflation-adjusted brackets and evaluate your marginal versus effective tax rates.
2026 Tax Bracket Breakdown (Progressive IRS Rates)
The US tax system is progressive: you only pay each bracket’s rate on the portion of income that falls within that specific band.
| Tax Rate | 2026 Bracket Range | Taxable in Bracket | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 — $24,800 | $24,800 | $2,480 |
| 12% | $24,800 — $100,800 | $63,000 | $7,560 |
| 22% | $100,800 — $211,400 | $0 | $0 |
| 24% | $211,400 — $403,550 | $0 | $0 |
| 32% | $403,550 — $512,450 | $0 | $0 |
| 35% | $512,450 — $768,700 | $0 | $0 |
| 37% | $768,700 — Above | $0 | $0 |
| Total Federal Income Tax: | $10,040 | ||
Worked Example: $120,000 Married Couple Filing Jointly
A married couple filing jointly earning a combined gross income of $120,000 with zero pre-tax retirement deferrals claims the 2026 standard deduction of $32,200.
| Line Step | Calculation Details | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Household Income | Form 1040 Line 1z | $120,000.00 |
| Standard Deduction (MFJ) | IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 inflation-adjusted threshold | −$32,200.00 |
| Taxable Income | $120,000 − $32,200 | $87,800.00 |
| 10% Bracket Tax | 10% on first $24,800 | $2,480.00 |
| 12% Bracket Tax | 12% on remaining $63,000 ($87,800 − $24,800) | $7,560.00 |
| Total Federal Tax Owed | $2,480 + $7,560 | $10,040.00 |
| Effective Tax Rate | ($10,040 ÷ $120,000) × 100 | 8.37% |
Statutory IRS Formula
Federal Tax = Σ [ max(0, min(Taxable Income, Ceilingᵢ) − Floorᵢ) × Rateᵢ ]
Standard deductions and bracket thresholds are indexed annually for inflation pursuant to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 1(f) and published under IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32.
Exclusions & Scope
- Preferential Capital Gains: Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends (taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%) are excluded from the ordinary income calculation.
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): High-earner AMT exemptions under IRC § 55 are not evaluated in this standard calculator.
- Tax Credits: Non-refundable credits (such as Foreign Tax Credit, Child Care Credit) and refundable credits (EITC) are not subtracted from the gross liability.
Méthodologie de calcul
Computed using statutory tax rates (10% to 37%) according to IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
Displays federal taxable income, progressive tax per bracket, total federal liability, and average effective tax rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the federal income tax brackets for 2026?
The 2026 statutory federal brackets are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%, adjusted for inflation under IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32.
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $24,150 for heads of household.