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Tax Planning

Federal Tax Estimator 2026

Estimate your 2026 federal income tax liability, effective tax rate, and marginal bracket — including your full bracket breakdown and income waterfall.

Your tax information
Filing status
Single Std: $16,100
Married Joint Std: $32,200
Married Sep. Std: $16,100
Head of HH Std: $24,150
Income sources
$
$
Subject to SE tax
$
Taxed at preferred rates
$
Interest, dividends, etc.
Above-the-line deductions
$
2026 limit: $24,500 · Age 50+: $32,500 · Age 60–63: $35,750
$
2026 limit: $7,500 · Age 50+: $8,600
$
2026 limit: $4,300 single · $8,550 family
$
Deduction method
Standard deduction (–$14,600)
Itemize deductions
$
$
Capped at $10,000
$
$
Tax credits
$
$2,000 per qualifying child
$
$
American Opportunity / Lifetime Learning
$
Tax already paid
$
From W-2 Box 2 or pay stubs
$
Quarterly payments made
How it works

How this calculator works

Enter your filing status, gross income, and any pre-tax contributions to retirement accounts or HSA. The calculator applies the 2026 IRS tax brackets to estimate your federal income tax, effective rate, and whether you'll owe or receive a refund. Results are estimates — actual tax liability depends on your full return.

1
Enter your income
Gross annual income before any deductions
2
Choose filing status
Single, married jointly, married separately, or head of household
3
Add deductions
401k, IRA, HSA contributions reduce your taxable income
4
See your estimate
Tax owed, effective rate, and refund or balance due
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — it does NOT mean all your income is taxed at that rate. The US uses a progressive bracket system where income is taxed at increasing rates as it crosses thresholds. Your effective tax rate is your total tax divided by gross income and is always lower than your marginal rate.
What are the 2026 federal income tax brackets?
For 2026 the federal income tax brackets for single filers are: 10% on income up to $11,925, 12% up to $48,475, 22% up to $103,350, 24% up to $197,300, 32% up to $250,525, 35% up to $626,350, and 37% above that. Married filing jointly brackets are approximately double the single filer thresholds. These brackets are adjusted annually for inflation.
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filing jointly. Most taxpayers benefit from the standard deduction unless their itemized deductions — mortgage interest, state and local taxes up to $10,000, charitable contributions — exceed the standard amount. About 90% of taxpayers now use the standard deduction.
How do 401k and IRA contributions reduce my taxes?
Traditional 401k and IRA contributions are made pre-tax and reduce your Adjusted Gross Income dollar-for-dollar. If you are in the 22% bracket and contribute $10,000 to a 401k you save $2,200 in federal taxes. HSA contributions also reduce AGI and are triple tax-advantaged — deductible going in, grow tax-free, and tax-free when used for medical expenses.
What is not included in this estimate?
This calculator estimates federal income tax only. It does not include state income tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA — 7.65% for employees), self-employment tax, the Net Investment Income Tax, Alternative Minimum Tax, or tax credits. Your actual tax return may also include deductions and credits not modeled here. Always consult a qualified tax professional for your actual situation.
When are federal taxes due?
Federal income tax returns are generally due on April 15. You can request an automatic 6-month extension to October 15 — but an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you expect to owe taxes you should estimate and pay by April 15 to avoid underpayment penalties. Estimated quarterly tax payments are due if you expect to owe $1,000 or more.