Federal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see exactly how much goes to each federal tax bracket. Uses 2026 IRS rates from Revenue Procedure 2025-32.
Tax by bracket
2026 bracket breakdown — Single
| Rate | Bracket range | Taxable | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $12,400 | $1,240 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $38,000 | $4,560 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $18,500 | $4,070 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | — | — |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | — | — |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | — | — |
| 37% | $640,600 – No limit | — | — |
| Total | $68,900 | $9,870 | |
How federal tax brackets actually work
Federal income tax is progressive — each bracket only applies to the income within that range, not your entire salary. Moving into the 22% bracket does not mean all your income is taxed at 22%. Only the dollars above the 12% threshold face the higher rate.
A single filer earning $85,000 in 2026 has $68,900 of taxable income after the $16,100 standard deduction. The first $12,400 is taxed at 10% ($1,240), the next $38,000 at 12% ($4,560), and the remaining $18,500 at 22% ($4,070). Total tax: $9,870 — an effective rate of 11.6%, not 22%.
Standard deduction vs. itemizing
Roughly 90% of taxpayers claim the standard deduction. For 2026, that's $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. Itemizing only saves money if your deductible expenses — mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT, capped at $10,000), and charitable contributions — exceed those thresholds.
If you own a home in a high-tax state and make significant charitable donations, itemizing may beat the standard deduction. Otherwise, the standard deduction is almost certainly the better choice. This calculator lets you compare both options.
Reducing your taxable income
Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. A single filer earning $105,000 who contributes $23,500 to a traditional 401(k) drops their taxable income from $88,900 to $65,400 — moving their top bracket from 22% to 12% and saving roughly $5,170 in federal tax.
HSA contributions ($4,300 for individuals, $8,550 for families in 2026), traditional IRA contributions ($7,000, or $8,000 if 50+), and student loan interest (up to $2,500) also reduce taxable income. These deductions are "above the line" — you get them whether or not you itemize.
This calculator does not include
This tool estimates federal income tax only. It does not account for Social Security tax (6.2% on the first $176,100), Medicare tax (1.45% on all earnings, plus 0.9% above $200,000), state income taxes, or tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. Your actual take-home pay after all payroll taxes and state taxes will be lower than shown here.
Related tools & guides
This calculator is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Tax calculations use 2026 IRS rates (Revenue Procedure 2025-32) and assume standard employment income only. Your actual tax liability may differ based on credits, additional income sources, AMT, self-employment tax, or other adjustments. Consult a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance. MacroSpire is not a registered tax advisor.