Tax Calculator 2026

It estimates US federal income tax only. Enter your annual income, filing status, deductions, and any tax credits, and it walks your taxable income through the current federal tax brackets to show your total tax, effective tax rate, and marginal tax rate. It does not include state or local income tax, Social Security or Medicare (FICA) withholding, or self-employment tax.

Because only your highest slice of income is taxed at your marginal (top) bracket rate — the income below that is taxed at each lower bracket's rate first. Your effective tax rate is your total tax divided by your total taxable income, blending all the brackets your income passed through, which is always lower than (or equal to) your marginal rate.

A deduction reduces your taxable income before tax is calculated — its value depends on your marginal bracket (a $1,000 deduction saves more for someone in a 24% bracket than a 12% bracket). A tax credit reduces your tax bill dollar-for-dollar after tax is calculated, regardless of your bracket — a $1,000 credit always saves exactly $1,000.

The standard deduction is a fixed amount you can subtract from your income without itemizing individual expenses (mortgage interest, charitable donations, etc.). Most filers take the standard deduction because their itemizable expenses don't exceed it. This calculator applies the current standard deduction for your filing status automatically unless you enter your own deduction figure.

This tool is for general planning estimates. If you have self-employment income, capital gains, multiple income sources, itemized deductions, or other complexities, use official IRS tools or consult a qualified tax professional — this calculator does not model every credit, deduction phase-out, or surtax that could apply to your specific situation.