Use this Federal Income Tax Calculator to estimate your U.S. federal income tax for the 2026 tax year. Enter your annual income, filing status, deductions, and eligible tax credits to get an estimated taxable income, federal income tax, effective tax rate, and after-tax income.
The calculator uses the 2026 federal income tax brackets and standard deduction amounts published by the IRS. It is designed for a quick estimate and does not calculate every possible federal tax provision, credit, deduction, or special tax situation.
For a more accurate estimate, use your actual taxable income and deductions from your tax records or consult a qualified tax professional.
How Does the Federal Income Tax Calculator Work?
Federal income tax in the United States is based on taxable income rather than simply the amount you earn. Your filing status, deductions, and eligible tax credits can all affect the amount of federal income tax you ultimately owe.
A simple way to understand the calculation is:
Gross income − eligible adjustments − deductions = taxable income
The taxable income is then calculated using the federal tax brackets for your filing status. If you have eligible tax credits, those credits can reduce the calculated federal income tax.
What Is Taxable Income?
Taxable income is the amount of income that remains after applicable adjustments and deductions are taken into account.
For example, if you earn $75,000 and have a $16,100 standard deduction, your taxable income before considering any other adjustments would be lower than your gross income.
The calculator estimates this amount based on the information you enter.
What Are the 2026 Federal Tax Brackets?
For 2026, federal income tax rates range from 10% to 37%. The United States uses a progressive tax system, which means different portions of taxable income can be taxed at different rates.
For example, moving into the 22% tax bracket does not mean your entire income is taxed at 22%. Only the portion of taxable income that falls within that bracket is taxed at that rate.
The 2026 federal brackets vary depending on whether you file as Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, or Head of Household.
Standard Deduction for 2026
The 2026 standard deduction is:
| Filing Status | 2026 Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married Filing Separately | $16,100 |
| Head of Household | $24,150 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 |
These amounts are based on IRS-published 2026 tax information.
Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deduction
Most taxpayers can choose between taking the standard deduction and itemizing eligible deductions.
The standard deduction is a fixed amount based on your filing status. Itemizing involves adding qualifying deductions individually.
Examples of expenses that may be relevant to itemized deductions include certain mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and qualifying state and local taxes, subject to applicable federal rules and limitations.
The calculator lets you enter an estimated itemized deduction amount when you choose the itemized deduction option.
What Is the Marginal Tax Rate?
Your marginal tax rate is the federal tax rate that applies to your next dollar of taxable income.
It is different from your effective tax rate.
For example, a taxpayer can have a marginal tax rate of 22% while paying a much lower percentage of their total income in federal income tax because the lower portions of taxable income are taxed at lower rates.
What Is the Effective Tax Rate?
Your effective tax rate shows your estimated federal income tax as a percentage of your gross income.
For example:
$7,500 federal income tax ÷ $75,000 gross income = 10% effective tax rate
Your effective rate and marginal rate can therefore be very different.
Federal Income Tax vs. Payroll Taxes
Federal income tax is only one type of tax that may be deducted from a paycheck.
Employees may also have Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from their wages. State and local income taxes may also apply depending on where they live and work.
This calculator estimates federal income tax only. It does not calculate Social Security tax, Medicare tax, state income tax, or local income tax.
Is This Calculator a Tax Filing Tool?
No. This calculator is designed to provide a general estimate of federal income tax.
Actual federal tax returns can involve many additional factors, including different types of income, deductions, tax credits, capital gains, self-employment income, dependents, alternative minimum tax, and other tax provisions.
For a tax return or a situation involving complex tax rules, use the appropriate IRS forms or speak with a qualified tax professional.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate of federal income tax based on the information entered and the selected tax year. It is for informational purposes only and is not tax, financial, or legal advice. Actual tax liability may vary based on your individual circumstances.
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