How this calculator works
Adjusted gross income is wages and other income minus pre-tax contributions. Subtracting the 2026 standard deduction (or your itemized deductions) gives taxable income, which is taxed through the 2026 brackets for your filing status. The child tax credit and other credits reduce the tax, and comparing it with your withholding shows a refund or balance due.
Worked example
With the example values below: Estimated refund, $450 (total federal tax $8,550). Change any number above to run your own.
What you enter
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
| Filing status | Single |
| Wages & salary | $85,000 |
| Other income | $0 |
| Pre-tax 401(k), HSA, etc. | $6,000 |
| Deduction | Standard deduction |
| Children under 17 | 0 |
| Other credits | $0 |
| Federal tax withheld | $9,000 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2026 federal income tax brackets?
Seven rates: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. For single filers in 2026, 10% applies to taxable income up to $12,400, 12% up to $50,400, 22% up to $105,700, 24% up to $201,775, 32% up to $256,225, 35% up to $640,600 and 37% above that.
How do you calculate federal income tax?
Start with total income, subtract pre-tax contributions to get adjusted gross income, then subtract the standard deduction ($16,100 single or $32,200 married filing jointly in 2026) or your itemized deductions. Run the taxable income through the brackets, subtract credits such as the child tax credit, and compare the result with what was withheld.
What's the difference between my marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal rate is the bracket your last dollar of income falls in. Your effective rate is your total tax divided by your income, and it's always lower, because only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate.
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Estimates for planning only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Tax tools use 2026 federal figures (brackets, $16,100 / $32,200 standard deduction, $19,000 gift exclusion, $15M lifetime exemption). Rates shown as defaults are examples; replace them with quotes you actually receive.