Income Tax Calculator 2026

How the US Tax System Works

The US uses a progressive tax system with marginal brackets. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate — not your entire income. If you are a single filer with $80,000 in taxable income in 2026, the first $11,925 is taxed at 10%, the next $36,550 at 12%, and only the income above $48,475 up to $80,000 is taxed at 22%. Your effective rate will be well below 22%.

Standard vs Itemized Deductions

The standard deduction for 2026 is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married filing jointly. Itemizing makes sense when your deductible expenses — mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT, capped at $10,000), charitable donations, and large medical expenses — exceed the standard deduction. About 90% of filers benefit from the standard deduction.

Frequently Asked Questions