How to use this calculator
- Choose your filing status and enter your wages and other income.
- Add pre-tax contributions, and itemized deductions if you itemize.
- Add children, age, and any qualified tips or overtime.
Federal income tax only — not state tax, Social Security or Medicare. Figures from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and Schedule 1-A. Excludes the alternative minimum tax and the net investment income tax.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2026 federal tax brackets?
Seven rates — 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% — applied in layers. Only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket’s rate, so moving into a higher bracket never reduces your take-home pay. The full schedule for your filing status is in the table above.
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
$16,100 for single filers and married filing separately, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly and $24,150 for heads of household, with an additional amount for those 65 or older.
What is my effective tax rate?
Your total federal income tax divided by your income. On the example — $85,000 in wages, $6,000 of pre-tax contributions, filing single — the tax is $8,770, an effective rate of 10.2% even though the top bracket is 22%.
How much does the child tax credit save?
Up to $2,200 per child under 17, of which up to $1,700 can be refunded if your tax is lower. A married couple earning $120,000 with two children would owe $5,040.
Do contributions to a 401(k) lower my tax?
Yes — traditional pre-tax contributions come off your taxable income. In the example, contributing $5,000 more cuts federal tax by $1,100.
What are the new deductions for tips, overtime and seniors?
For 2025 through 2028, qualified tips are deductible up to $25,000, the overtime premium up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint), and each person 65 or older gets an extra $6,000. Each phases out at higher incomes and is claimed on Schedule 1-A, whether or not you itemize.