US Income Tax Calculator (2026)

How US federal income tax works in 2026

The US uses seven federal brackets — 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% — and they're progressive, so each rate applies only to the income inside its band. For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household. You subtract the deduction first; tax applies to what's left (your taxable income).

FICA: Social Security and Medicare

Separate from income tax, FICA takes 6.2% for Social Security (up to the annual wage base) and 1.45% for Medicare on all wages, with an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax on high earners. Employers match most of this, but the employee share still reduces your take-home, so we include it.

State income tax

Nine states have no income tax at all — including Florida, Texas, Washington and Nevada — so your state line shows $0 there. Other states range from low flat rates to progressive schedules above 10%. Our estimate uses a representative rate per state to keep things simple; for filing, check your state's exact brackets.

Marginal vs effective

Being "in the 22% bracket" doesn't mean 22% of everything. Most of your income is taxed in the lower bands, so your effective rate is well below your marginal rate. See our plain-English guide for why a raise can never lower your take-home.

This calculator provides estimates for general information only and is not financial or tax advice. See our disclaimer.