Federal Income Tax Calculator

How this calculator works

The U.S. uses a progressivesystem: your income is sliced across brackets, and each slice is taxed at that bracket’s rate — not your whole income at the top rate. We apply the 2026 federal brackets for your filing status to your taxable income (gross minus the standard deduction, if applied):

tax = Σ (income in each bracket × that bracket’s rate)

• Marginal rate— the bracket your last dollar falls in. It’s what a raise (or an extra deduction) is taxed at.
• Effective rate — total tax ÷ gross income. Always lower than your marginal rate, because the lower brackets tax part of your income less.

What this covers

This is federal income tax only— it doesn’t include FICA (Social Security + Medicare), state tax, credits, or itemized deductions beyond the standard one. For your full net paycheck, use the take-home pay calculator.

Learn more

• Side Income & Taxes: What Freelancers and Gig Workers Owe — Self-employment income isn't taxed like a paycheck. Quarterly estimates, self-employment tax, deductions, and how to set aside the right amount.

Frequently asked questions

Does moving into a higher tax bracket tax all my income at that rate?

No — this is the most common tax myth. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. A raise that pushes part of your income into a higher bracket only taxes that portion more; your take-home always still rises.

What's the difference between marginal and effective rate?

Marginal is the rate on your last dollar (your top bracket). Effective is your total tax divided by your income — always lower, because earlier brackets tax part of your income at lower rates.

Why doesn't this match my paycheck withholding?

Withholding is an estimate your employer makes and also includes FICA and state tax. This tool shows federal income tax on annual income only. Your actual return reconciles the difference.