Income Tax Calculator.
Estimate your US federal income tax based on your filing status, income, and deductions.
2024 Standard Deduction will be applied automatically.
Estimated Federal Tax
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Effective Tax Rate
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Marginal Tax Bracket
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Taxable Income
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After-Tax Income
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Bracket Breakdown
Understanding US Federal Income Tax
The United States uses a progressive income tax system, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. Our tax calculator applies the official IRS tax brackets for the current tax year to compute your estimated federal income tax liability. Enter your gross annual income, select your filing status, specify your deductions and any tax credits, and receive an instant breakdown of your tax obligation by bracket.
How Progressive Tax Brackets Work
A common misconception is that your entire income is taxed at a single rate. In reality, the US federal tax system divides your taxable income into brackets, each taxed at a progressively higher rate. For example, if you're a single filer earning $60,000, the first $11,600 is taxed at 10%, the next portion up to $47,150 at 12%, and the remainder at 22%. Your effective tax rate — the actual percentage of total income paid in taxes — will be lower than your marginal (highest) bracket rate. Our calculator shows both the effective and marginal rates.
Standard vs. Itemized Deductions
Deductions reduce your taxable income, which directly lowers your tax bill. The standard deduction is a fixed amount set by the IRS based on your filing status. For 2024, the standard deduction for single filers is $14,600 and for married filing jointly is $29,200. You can choose to itemize deductions instead if your qualified expenses — such as mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT), charitable contributions, and medical expenses — exceed the standard deduction amount.
Tax Credits vs. Deductions
While deductions reduce your taxable income, tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe — dollar for dollar. For example, a $1,000 tax credit reduces your tax bill by exactly $1,000, whereas a $1,000 deduction reduces your taxable income by $1,000 (saving you $1,000 × your marginal tax rate). Common tax credits include the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), education credits, and energy efficiency credits. Our calculator allows you to enter your total credits to see their impact on your final tax liability.
Tax Calculator FAQ
Is this tax calculator accurate for filing my taxes?
Our calculator provides estimates based on official IRS tax brackets and is designed for planning purposes. It does not account for all possible deductions, credits, state taxes, self-employment tax, or other factors specific to your situation. For official tax filing, consult a CPA or use IRS-approved tax preparation software.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — it determines the bracket you're in. Your effective tax rate is the average rate you pay across all your income. Because of the progressive system, your effective rate is always lower than your marginal rate. Our calculator shows both so you have a complete picture of your tax situation.
Does this include state income tax?
No, our calculator currently estimates federal income tax only. State income tax rates vary widely — some states like Texas, Florida, and Washington have no state income tax, while states like California and New York have rates up to 13.3% and 10.9% respectively. Your total tax burden includes both federal and state taxes.