How to use this calculator
Enter your filing status, tax year, income sources, and deductions. Click Calculate to see your estimated federal tax, effective rate, marginal rate, and refund or amount owed. Use W-2 box numbers as a guide for the income fields.
Income Tax Calculator
Estimate your U.S. federal income tax refund or amount owed. Supports 2025 and 2026 tax years.
About Income Tax Calculator
About U.S. Income Tax
The U.S. federal income tax system uses a progressive tax bracket structure — higher income is taxed at higher rates, but only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. For example, if you are in the 22% bracket, only the income above the 12% threshold is taxed at 22%.
Effective tax rate is your total federal tax divided by gross income — a better measure of your actual tax burden than the marginal rate. FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare) are separate from income tax and apply to earned income.
This calculator provides an estimate for planning purposes. Consult a tax professional for your actual return. The 2026 brackets are based on the One Big Beautiful Bill proposal and may change.
Related Calculators
Tax Tips
- →Maximize IRA contributions ($7,000/year) to reduce taxable income.
- →Long-term capital gains (held 1+ year) are taxed at lower rates than ordinary income.
- →Compare standard vs. itemized deductions — itemizing only helps if it exceeds the standard amount.
- →Child Tax Credit ($2,000/child under 17) directly reduces your tax bill, not just taxable income.
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