Tax Calculator 2026
Last Updated:
Estimate your federal income tax, state tax, and FICA using 2026 IRS tax brackets. Shows effective rate and take-home pay.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
$0
Based on 2026 single filer brackets. For estimation only — consult a tax professional for advice.
📐 Formula
Federal Tax = Sum of (income in each bracket × bracket rate). Effective Rate = Total Tax ÷ Gross Income × 100
Sources & Methodology
Calculations are based on the most current publicly available data from authoritative government and industry sources:
How to Use the Tax Calculator
Enter your annual income
Input your total gross annual income before any deductions. Include salary, freelance income, and other taxable earnings.
Enter the standard deduction
The 2026 standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly. Adjust only if you plan to itemize and your deductions exceed these amounts.
Enter your state tax rate
Input your state's flat income tax rate. States with no income tax (TX, FL, WA, NV) use 0%.
Review effective rate and take-home
The effective rate — total tax divided by total income — is the true measure of your tax burden, not your marginal bracket rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the US Federal Income Tax System Work?
The US uses a progressive marginal tax system — meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. You do not pay the top rate on all your income; you pay each rate only on income within that bracket. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the US tax code.
2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets (Single Filers)
| Tax Rate | Income Range | Tax on This Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | Up to $1,193 |
| 12% | $11,926 – $48,475 | Up to $4,386 |
| 22% | $48,476 – $103,350 | Up to $12,075 |
| 24% | $103,351 – $197,300 | Up to $22,548 |
| 32% | $197,301 – $250,525 | Up to $17,032 |
| 35% | $250,526 – $626,350 | Up to $131,516 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | 37% on excess |
Marginal Tax Rate vs Effective Tax Rate
Your marginal tax rate is the rate on your last dollar earned. Your effective tax rate is your total tax divided by total income — a much lower figure. A $75,000 earner in the 22% bracket has an effective rate of around 13–15%, not 22%.
How to Reduce Your Tax Bill Legally
- 401(k) and IRA contributions — reduce taxable income dollar for dollar. In 2026, you can contribute up to $23,500 to a 401(k) and $7,000 to an IRA.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) — triple tax advantage: contributions deductible, growth tax-free, withdrawals tax-free for medical expenses.
- Standard vs itemised deductions — take whichever is larger. In 2026, the standard deduction is $15,000 (single) and $30,000 (married filing jointly).
- Tax-loss harvesting — sell investments at a loss to offset capital gains.
What is FICA Tax?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes fund Social Security and Medicare. In 2026: Social Security is 6.2% on wages up to $176,100, and Medicare is 1.45% on all wages (plus 0.9% surcharge on wages over $200,000). Your employer matches these contributions — self-employed individuals pay the full 15.3% as self-employment tax.