Know what you may owe in taxes.
Estimate your federal income tax, explore your effective tax rate, and see how deductions, credits, and withholding can affect your estimated tax outcome.
Federal income tax calculator
Enter your annual figures to calculate an estimate.
How does an income tax calculator work?
A federal income tax estimate starts with your income, subtracts applicable adjustments and deductions, and applies the progressive federal income tax rates to your taxable income. Eligible tax credits may then reduce the tax calculated.
The result is not necessarily the amount you will owe when you file. The final balance depends in part on withholding, estimated payments, credits, and your full tax circumstances.
Income is not the same as taxable income
If you earn $75,000 and qualify for a $16,100 standard deduction, your simplified taxable income would be $58,900 before any other adjustments. The tax brackets apply to that taxable amount, not directly to the full $75,000.
2026 federal income tax brackets
The United States uses a progressive tax system. Your marginal tax rate applies to the next dollar of taxable income, while lower portions of income remain taxed at their applicable rates.
| Tax rate | Taxable income range |
|---|
Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32.
2026 standard deduction amounts
The standard deduction generally reduces the income subject to federal income tax. Taxpayers who qualify may instead itemize eligible deductions. The best option depends on your individual situation.
| Filing status | 2026 standard deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Married filing separately | $16,100 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
Amounts are based on IRS guidance for tax year 2026. Special rules can change the deduction available to a taxpayer.
How do tax credits and withholding affect the result?
Tax credits may reduce your tax liability when you meet their eligibility requirements. Some credits are refundable and some are nonrefundable, and the rules differ by credit. This calculator uses the credit amount you enter as a simplified reduction to estimated regular federal income tax; it does not determine eligibility or calculate refundable credits.
Federal withholding and estimated payments are amounts already paid toward your tax. If your payments exceed your estimated tax, you may have an overpayment. If they are lower, you may have a balance due. Your actual refund or amount due can differ after the full tax return is calculated.
What this income tax calculator excludes
- State, city, and local income taxes
- Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes
- Self-employment tax
- Alternative minimum tax and additional taxes
- Detailed eligibility rules for tax credits
- All deduction limits, phaseouts, and special tax provisions
- Every adjustment that may apply to investment or business income
This page is an educational tool, not tax, legal, or financial advice. Check the current IRS instructions or consult a qualified tax professional for help with your specific circumstances.
Income tax calculator FAQs
Is this calculator for tax year 2026?
Yes. It uses the 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deduction amounts. Tax year 2026 returns are generally filed in 2027. Use the official IRS figures for other tax years.
Does this calculate my state income tax?
No. This tool estimates regular federal income tax only. State and local income taxes depend on where you live and your circumstances.
Why is my effective tax rate lower than my tax bracket?
Federal tax brackets are progressive. Different portions of taxable income are taxed at different rates, so your effective rate across your income is often lower than your marginal bracket rate.
Is the estimated tax outcome my guaranteed refund?
No. It compares your entered withholding with a simplified tax estimate. Your actual refund or balance due can change based on the complete return, other payments, refundable credits, and additional tax rules.
Should I enter gross income or take-home pay?
Enter annual income before federal income tax withholding. Do not enter your net paycheck amount. If you have multiple income sources, the correct total depends on the income included in your tax situation.
Can this replace tax software or a tax professional?
No. This is an educational estimate, not a tax preparation or filing service. Consult official IRS guidance or a qualified tax professional for a complete calculation.
See the IRS federal income tax rates and brackets and IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 for the applicable tax-year guidance.
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