US Federal Income
Tax Calculator
Estimate your federal income tax with 2026 brackets, standard or itemized deductions, FICA, self-employment tax, capital gains, and complete bracket-by-bracket analysis.
Income Sources
Enter all income for the tax year
Deductions
Standard or itemized — the higher amount is used
Pre-Tax Adjustments & Credits
Reduce taxable income and tax owed
Income Allocation
Where your gross income goes
Take-Home Pay by Period
Net income across timeframes
Line-by-Line Breakdown
From gross income to take-home pay
Federal Tax Bracket Analysis
How ordinary income is taxed bracket by bracket
Key Insights
Important numbers about your tax situation
Understanding your federal income tax is the foundation of smart financial planning. Our free US Federal Income Tax Calculator for 2026 includes all 7 tax brackets for every filing status, standard and itemized deductions, FICA taxes, self-employment tax, preferential capital gains rates, and tax credits including the Child Tax Credit.
See a bracket-by-bracket visualization, donut chart of income allocation, take-home pay across every period, and key insights including effective vs marginal tax rate and estimated savings from deductions.
How to Calculate Your Federal Income Tax
Step 1: Enter All Income Sources
Enter W-2 wages, self-employment income (net profit), long-term and short-term capital gains, qualified dividends, and other income. Each type may be taxed at different rates.
Step 2: Select Filing Status
Choose Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, or Head of Household. This determines your brackets and standard deduction.
Step 3: Choose Deductions
The calculator uses whichever is higher. Itemize if mortgage interest, SALT (capped $10,000), charitable donations, and medical expenses exceed the standard deduction.
Step 4: Add Adjustments and Credits
Enter pre-tax contributions (401k, IRA, HSA) and tax credits. The Child Tax Credit ($2,000/child) is auto-calculated from dependents entered.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets Explained
How Progressive Taxation Works
The US uses progressive tax brackets. Only the portion within each bracket is taxed at that rate. A Single filer earning $100,000 pays 10% on the first $11,925, 12% on the next $36,550, and 22% on the remainder above $48,475.
2026 Brackets: Single Filers
10% up to $11,925. 12% to $48,475. 22% to $103,350. 24% to $197,300. 32% to $250,525. 35% to $626,350. 37% above.
Standard Deductions for 2026
$15,000 Single/MFS. $30,000 MFJ. $22,500 HoH.
FICA Taxes
Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100. Medicare: 1.45% on all wages plus 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 MFJ). Self-employed pay both sides (15.3% on 92.35% of net).
Capital Gains Rates
Long-term and qualified dividends: 0% up to $48,350 (Single), 15% to $533,400, 20% above. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Tips to Reduce Your Federal Tax
Maximize Pre-Tax Contributions
401(k) up to $23,500, HSA up to $4,300 individual/$8,550 family — directly reduces taxable income.
Harvest Capital Losses
Sell losing investments to offset gains. Deduct up to $3,000 net losses against ordinary income per year.
Time Your Income
Near a bracket boundary? Defer income or accelerate deductions to stay in a lower bracket.
Claim the Child Tax Credit
$2,000 per child under 17 — directly reduces tax. Phases out above $200K (Single) / $400K (MFJ).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2026 tax brackets?
Single: 10% to $11,925, 12% to $48,475, 22% to $103,350, 24% to $197,300, 32% to $250,525, 35% to $626,350, 37% above. MFJ brackets are roughly double.
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
$15,000 Single/MFS, $30,000 MFJ, $22,500 HoH.
Marginal vs effective rate?
Marginal = rate on your last dollar. Effective = total tax / gross income — always lower due to progressive brackets.
How is FICA calculated?
SS: 6.2% up to $176,100. Medicare: 1.45% all wages + 0.9% above $200K. ~7.65% for employees.
How is self-employment tax calculated?
15.3% on 92.35% of net SE income. Half is deductible.
How are capital gains taxed?
Long-term: 0%, 15%, or 20%. Short-term: ordinary rates.
Standard or itemize?
Use whichever is larger. Itemize if mortgage + SALT ($10K cap) + charity + medical exceed the standard deduction.
Child Tax Credit?
$2,000/child under 17. Phases out at $200K Single / $400K MFJ.
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 US federal tax brackets, standard deductions, and FICA rates. Actual tax liability may differ based on state taxes, AMT, credits, phase-outs, and other factors. This is for informational purposes only — consult a licensed CPA or tax professional for personalized advice.