2026 Tax Brackets and Rates: Complete Federal Income Tax Guide
Quick Answer
2026 Federal Tax Brackets: Range from 10% to 37%. The 10% bracket covers income up to $11,925 (single) / $23,850 (married). The 22% bracket starts at $48,476 (single) / $96,951 (married). The 37% top rate applies to income over $626,350 (single) / $751,600 (married). Brackets are adjusted ~2.5% for inflation from 2025.
2026 Standard Deduction: $15,000 (single) / $30,000 (married filing jointly)
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets
The United States uses a progressive tax system, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. Here are the 2026 federal income tax brackets for each filing status.
Single Filers
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,925 | 10% of taxable income |
| 12% | $11,926 - $48,475 | $1,192.50 + 12% of amount over $11,925 |
| 22% | $48,476 - $103,350 | $5,578.50 + 22% of amount over $48,475 |
| 24% | $103,351 - $197,300 | $17,651 + 24% of amount over $103,350 |
| 32% | $197,301 - $250,525 | $40,199 + 32% of amount over $197,300 |
| 35% | $250,526 - $626,350 | $57,231 + 35% of amount over $250,525 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | $188,769.75 + 37% of amount over $626,350 |
Married Filing Jointly
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $23,850 | 10% of taxable income |
| 12% | $23,851 - $96,950 | $2,385 + 12% of amount over $23,850 |
| 22% | $96,951 - $206,700 | $11,157 + 22% of amount over $96,950 |
| 24% | $206,701 - $394,600 | $35,302 + 24% of amount over $206,700 |
| 32% | $394,601 - $501,050 | $80,398 + 32% of amount over $394,600 |
| 35% | $501,051 - $751,600 | $114,462 + 35% of amount over $501,050 |
| 37% | Over $751,600 | $202,154.50 + 37% of amount over $751,600 |
Head of Household
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $17,000 | 10% of taxable income |
| 12% | $17,001 - $64,850 | $1,700 + 12% of amount over $17,000 |
| 22% | $64,851 - $103,350 | $7,442 + 22% of amount over $64,850 |
| 24% | $103,351 - $197,300 | $15,912 + 24% of amount over $103,350 |
| 32% | $197,301 - $250,500 | $38,460 + 32% of amount over $197,300 |
| 35% | $250,501 - $626,350 | $55,484 + 35% of amount over $250,500 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | $187,031.50 + 37% of amount over $626,350 |
What Changed from 2025 to 2026
The IRS adjusts tax brackets annually for inflation. For 2026, brackets increased by approximately 2.5%. This means you can earn more before hitting the next tax bracket.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Rate | 2025 Start | 2026 Start | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12% | $11,600 | $11,925 | +$325 |
| 22% | $47,150 | $48,475 | +$1,325 |
| 24% | $100,525 | $103,350 | +$2,825 |
| 32% | $191,950 | $197,300 | +$5,350 |
| 35% | $243,725 | $250,525 | +$6,800 |
| 37% | $609,350 | $626,350 | +$17,000 |
What this means for you: Bracket increases help offset inflation. If your income stayed the same, you might fall into a lower bracket or owe slightly less tax. If your income increased with inflation, you should stay in roughly the same position.
How Tax Brackets Work: A Practical Example
One of the biggest tax misconceptions is that being in a higher bracket means all your income is taxed at that rate. That's not how it works.
The Progressive Tax System
In a progressive system, only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Let's see this in action.
Example: Single Filer Earning $75,000
Step 1: Calculate taxable income
- Gross income: $75,000
- Standard deduction: -$15,000
- Taxable income: $60,000
Step 2: Apply each bracket
| Bracket | Income in Bracket | Tax Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,925 | 10% | $1,192.50 |
| 12% | $11,926 - $48,475 | 12% | $4,386.00 |
| 22% | $48,476 - $60,000 | 22% | $2,535.50 |
| Total Federal Tax | $8,114 | ||
Key insight: Even though this person is "in the 22% bracket," they only paid 22% on the $11,525 that exceeded the 12% bracket threshold—not on all $60,000.
You Never "Lose Money" By Earning More
A common myth: "If I earn more, I'll lose money to taxes." This is false. Only the additional income is taxed at the higher rate. If you earn $1,000 more and move from the 12% to the 22% bracket, only that $1,000 (or the portion that crossed the threshold) is taxed at 22%. You still keep more money.
Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate
Understanding these two rates is crucial for making smart financial decisions.
Marginal Tax Rate
Your marginal rate is the tax rate on your last dollar of income—the highest bracket your income reaches. It's what you'd pay on any additional income.
Effective Tax Rate
Your effective rate is the average rate you actually pay—total tax divided by total income. It's always lower than your marginal rate.
Using Our $75,000 Example
| Rate Type | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Marginal Rate | Highest bracket reached | 22% |
| Effective Rate (on taxable) | $8,114 / $60,000 | 13.5% |
| Effective Rate (on gross) | $8,114 / $75,000 | 10.8% |
Why this matters: When comparing job offers or planning a raise, use your marginal rate to estimate additional tax. When evaluating overall tax burden, use effective rate. Someone "in the 22% bracket" likely pays only 10-14% effective rate.
Standard Deduction 2026
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income before tax brackets are applied. Most taxpayers (about 90%) take the standard deduction rather than itemizing.
| Filing Status | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $14,600 | $15,000 | +$400 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $29,200 | $30,000 | +$800 |
| Head of Household | $21,900 | $22,500 | +$600 |
| Married Filing Separately | $14,600 | $15,000 | +$400 |
Additional Deduction for Age 65+ or Blind
- Single or Head of Household: Additional $2,000
- Married (each spouse): Additional $1,600
When to Itemize Instead
Itemize only if your total deductions exceed the standard deduction. Common itemized deductions include:
- State and local taxes (SALT) - capped at $10,000
- Mortgage interest
- Charitable contributions
- Medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI
Filing Status Comparison
Your filing status significantly impacts your tax bill. Choosing the right status can save thousands.
Single vs Married Filing Jointly
Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) generally offers the best rates for married couples. The brackets are roughly double those of single filers, and the standard deduction is $30,000 vs $15,000.
Head of Household
For unmarried taxpayers with dependents, Head of Household offers wider brackets than Single filing. Requirements:
- Unmarried (or considered unmarried) on December 31
- Paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home
- A qualifying person lived with you for more than half the year
Married Filing Separately
MFS has the same brackets as Single filing and typically results in higher combined taxes. Consider it only in specific situations:
- One spouse has significant medical expenses or miscellaneous deductions
- Income-driven student loan repayment optimization
- Separating liability in case of IRS issues
Bracket Planning Strategies
Understanding brackets allows you to make strategic financial decisions.
Timing Income and Deductions
- High-income year? Accelerate deductions (prepay property taxes, bunch charitable giving)
- Low-income year? Accelerate income or do Roth conversions while in a lower bracket
Roth Conversions to Fill Brackets
If your taxable income is well below the next bracket threshold, consider converting traditional IRA funds to Roth—filling up the current bracket. You pay tax now at a lower rate, and future growth is tax-free.
Retirement Income Planning
In retirement, you often have control over income timing. Withdraw from traditional accounts to fill lower brackets, then tap Roth accounts for additional needs without increasing your tax bracket.
Example: A retired couple with $80,000 in Social Security and pension income is in the 12% bracket. They could convert up to $16,950 from a traditional IRA to Roth while staying in the 12% bracket (filling up to the $96,950 MFJ threshold).
Other Key 2026 Tax Numbers
| Item | 2026 Limit |
|---|---|
| Social Security wage base | ~$180,000 |
| 401(k) employee contribution | $23,500 |
| 401(k) catch-up (age 50+) | $7,500 |
| IRA contribution | $7,000 |
| IRA catch-up (age 50+) | $1,000 |
| HSA (self-only coverage) | $4,300 |
| HSA (family coverage) | $8,550 |
| SALT deduction cap | $10,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What tax bracket am I in for 2026?
Your tax bracket depends on your taxable income (after the standard deduction) and filing status. For single filers: 10% up to $11,925, 12% from $11,926-$48,475, 22% from $48,476-$103,350, 24% from $103,351-$197,300, 32% from $197,301-$250,525, 35% from $250,526-$626,350, and 37% over $626,350.
Do I pay the bracket rate on all my income?
No! The U.S. uses a progressive tax system. You only pay each rate on the income within that bracket. If you're in the 22% bracket, you don't pay 22% on all your income—you pay 10% on the first $11,925, 12% on the next portion, and only 22% on income above $48,475.
Did tax brackets go up or down for 2026?
Tax brackets increased by approximately 2.5% for 2026 due to inflation adjustments. This means you can earn more before hitting the next bracket. The rates themselves (10%, 12%, 22%, etc.) remain unchanged.
What is the highest tax bracket for 2026?
The highest federal tax bracket for 2026 is 37%. It applies to taxable income over $626,350 for single filers, $751,600 for married filing jointly, and $626,350 for head of household.
How do I lower my tax bracket?
You can lower your taxable income by: contributing to a traditional 401(k) or IRA, contributing to an HSA, itemizing deductions if they exceed the standard deduction, timing income between years, and maximizing above-the-line deductions.
Quick Reference: Find Your 2026 Tax Bracket
Use this quick guide to find your approximate bracket based on taxable income (gross income minus standard deduction):
Single Filers
- Under $11,925: 10% bracket
- $11,926 - $48,475: 12% bracket
- $48,476 - $103,350: 22% bracket
- $103,351 - $197,300: 24% bracket
- Over $197,300: 32%+ brackets
Married Filing Jointly
- Under $23,850: 10% bracket
- $23,851 - $96,950: 12% bracket
- $96,951 - $206,700: 22% bracket
- $206,701 - $394,600: 24% bracket
- Over $394,600: 32%+ brackets
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