Estimate your federal income tax based on filing status and income.
Your total annual income before any deductions โ wages, salary, tips, and other earnings.
Choose Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, or Head of Household.
Use the standard deduction ($15,000 single / $30,000 married) or enter your itemized total.
Enter any applicable credits like Child Tax Credit, EITC, or education credits.
See your estimated tax liability, effective tax rate, and marginal bracket.
US federal income tax uses a progressive system โ each bracket rate applies only to income within that bracket range, not your entire income.
Tax-loss harvesting can offset up to $3,000 in ordinary income per year beyond your investment losses.
Contributing to a traditional IRA or 401(k) directly reduces your taxable income for the year.
The 2026 federal tax brackets for single filers are: 10% ($0-$11,925), 12% ($11,926-$48,475), 22% ($48,476-$103,350), 24% ($103,351-$197,300), 32% ($197,301-$250,525), 35% ($250,526-$626,350), and 37% (over $626,350). Note: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions are set to expire โ Congress may adjust these brackets. Check IRS.gov for final 2026 numbers.
For 2026, the standard deduction is approximately $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for head of household. About 90% of taxpayers take the standard deduction. You should itemize only if your total deductions (mortgage interest, state/local taxes up to $10,000, charitable contributions) exceed the standard deduction amount.
Marginal brackets mean only the income in each bracket is taxed at that rate โ not your entire income. Example: if you earn $60,000 as a single filer in 2026, you pay 10% on the first $11,925 ($1,193), 12% on $11,926-$48,475 ($4,386), and 22% on $48,476-$60,000 ($2,535). Total tax: $8,114, which is an effective rate of only 13.5% โ not 22%.
Federal income tax returns for 2025 income are due April 15, 2026. If you can't file on time, file Form 4868 for an automatic 6-month extension to October 15, 2026. Important: an extension to file is NOT an extension to pay. Estimated quarterly tax payments for 2026 income are due: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027.
Key 2026 tax credits: Child Tax Credit ($2,000 per qualifying child), Earned Income Tax Credit (up to $7,430 for 3+ children), American Opportunity Credit ($2,500 for college), Lifetime Learning Credit ($2,000), Child and Dependent Care Credit (up to $1,050-$2,100), and energy-efficient home improvement credits. Credits reduce tax dollar-for-dollar, making them more valuable than deductions.