Key Takeaways
- The U.S. uses a progressive tax system with 7 federal income tax brackets
- Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar; your effective rate is your overall average
- Only income above each threshold is taxed at the higher rate
- Filing status significantly affects your bracket thresholds
- Deductions and credits can reduce your taxable income and final tax bill
About the Tax Bracket Calculator
The Tax Bracket Calculator is a comprehensive online tool designed to help you understand your federal tax obligations. It calculates your marginal tax bracket, effective tax rate, and provides a detailed breakdown of how your income is taxed across different brackets.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets
The following table shows the 2026 federal income tax brackets for different filing statuses:
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,600 | $0 - $23,200 | $0 - $16,550 |
| 12% | $11,601 - $47,150 | $23,201 - $94,300 | $16,551 - $63,100 |
| 22% | $47,151 - $100,525 | $94,301 - $201,050 | $63,101 - $100,500 |
| 24% | $100,526 - $191,950 | $201,051 - $383,900 | $100,501 - $191,950 |
| 32% | $191,951 - $243,725 | $383,901 - $487,450 | $191,951 - $243,700 |
| 35% | $243,726 - $609,350 | $487,451 - $731,200 | $243,701 - $609,350 |
| 37% | Over $609,350 | Over $731,200 | Over $609,350 |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your annual taxable income in the input field
- Select your filing status from the dropdown menu
- Click "Calculate" to see your tax bracket and estimated tax
- Review the detailed breakdown to understand how each bracket contributes to your total tax
Understanding Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rate
Marginal Tax Rate: This is the rate applied to your last dollar of income. If you're in the 22% bracket, your marginal rate is 22%. However, this doesn't mean all your income is taxed at 22%.
Effective Tax Rate: This is the actual percentage of your total income that you pay in taxes. It's calculated by dividing your total tax by your total income. The effective rate is always lower than your marginal rate due to the progressive nature of the tax system.
Example
If you're single with $75,000 in taxable income, you're in the 22% marginal bracket. But your effective rate is only about 14.4% because:
- Your first $11,600 is taxed at 10% = $1,160
- Income from $11,601 to $47,150 is taxed at 12% = $4,266
- Income from $47,151 to $75,000 is taxed at 22% = $6,127
- Total tax: $11,553 / $75,000 = 15.4% effective rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this calculator is completely free to use with no hidden charges or registration requirements.
The calculator uses the official 2026 IRS tax brackets and provides accurate estimates. However, your actual tax liability may differ based on deductions, credits, and other factors. Always consult with a tax professional for official tax advice.
No, this calculator only estimates federal income tax. State income taxes vary by state and are calculated separately. Some states have no income tax, while others have their own bracket systems.
For 2026, the standard deduction is approximately $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for head of household. Enter your taxable income (after deductions) for accurate results.
Yes! Click the "Copy Widget Code" button above to get the embed code for your website. The widget is responsive and works on all devices.
Additional Resources
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