Federal Income Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax and see how the progressive brackets actually work — line by line.
Your income
Estimated federal income tax
$7,670
Effective rate
10.2%
Marginal bracket
22%
How your tax breaks down by bracket
| Rate | Taxed amount | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $12,400 | $1,240 |
| 12% | $38,000 | $4,560 |
| 22% | $8,500 | $1,870 |
This is federal income tax only — it does not include Social Security, Medicare or state tax. For full take-home pay, use the paycheck calculator.
Estimates for informational purposes only. Not tax advice.
Marginal vs. effective tax rate
A common myth is that earning more can push all of your income into a higher tax rate. It doesn't. The U.S. system is progressive: each bracket's rate applies only to the income inside that bracket. Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar earned; your effective rateis the average across all your income — and it's always lower than your marginal rate.
The standard deduction comes first
Before any brackets apply, you subtract the standard deduction — $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household in 2026. Only what's left is your taxable income.
This is only part of your tax
Federal income tax is one piece. Your paycheck also has Social Security, Medicare and (in most states) state income tax withheld. To see the complete picture, use the paycheck calculator or read our guide on how to calculate take-home pay.