Tax Calculator
Understanding Income Tax
The US uses a progressive tax system where higher income is taxed at higher rates. Your marginal tax rate is the rate on your last dollar earned — most people pay multiple rates across their income.
2026 Standard Deduction
- Single / Married Filing Separately: $16,100
- Married Filing Jointly / Surviving Spouse: $32,200
- Head of Household: $24,150
Seniors 65+ may claim an additional $6,000 deduction per qualifying taxpayer under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This phases out at 6% of modified AGI above $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint filers).
2026 Tax Brackets (Single)
- 10%: $0 – $12,400
- 12%: $12,401 – $50,400
- 22%: $50,401 – $105,700
- 24%: $105,701 – $201,775
- 32%: $201,776 – $256,225
- 35%: $256,226 – $640,600
- 37%: over $640,600
2026 Tax Brackets (Married Filing Jointly)
- 10%: $0 – $24,800
- 12%: $24,801 – $100,800
- 22%: $100,801 – $211,400
- 24%: $211,401 – $403,550
- 32%: $403,551 – $512,450
- 35%: $512,451 – $768,700
- 37%: over $768,700
2026 Tax Brackets (Head of Household)
- 10%: $0 – $17,700
- 12%: $17,701 – $67,450
- 22%: $67,451 – $105,700
- 24%: $105,701 – $201,750
- 32%: $201,751 – $256,200
- 35%: $256,201 – $640,600
- 37%: over $640,600
💡 Tips
- Tax brackets are marginal — only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate
- Standard deduction for 2026: $16,100 single / $32,200 joint / $24,150 HOH
- New OBBBA senior deduction: $6,000 extra if age 65+ (phases out above $75k/$150k AGI)
- Traditional 401(k) and IRA contributions reduce your taxable income
- State income taxes range from 0% (TX, FL, WA) to 13.3% (CA)
- Long-term capital gains (1+ year) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% — often lower than ordinary income
- Tax brackets and standard deduction are adjusted annually for inflation