Payroll & taxes
Income tax calculator (2026)
Free income tax calculator and tax refund calculator for US workers. Estimate federal income tax and state income tax on annual W-2 wages, see your tax bracket, marginal and effective rates, and a refund or balance due when you enter withholding. All 50 states + DC; CSV or PDF export, no sign-up. For per-paycheck take-home pay, use our paycheck calculator.
What this income tax calculator does
This income tax calculator estimates your annual US income tax on wages — not per-paycheck withholding. Enter gross income, filing status, and state to see federal tax, state tax, marginal and effective rates, and a live tax bracket breakdown. Add withholding in More options to preview a tax refund or balance due.
Unlike many federal-only estimators, this tool includes a state income tax calculator for all 50 states and DC — useful when you need a full-year picture before filing.
For take-home pay each pay period (federal, state, FICA), use the paycheck calculator. For employer labor cost, see the employee cost calculator.
Federal income tax calculator (2026)
US federal income tax is progressive: higher portions of taxable income are taxed at higher rates. For 2026, marginal rates run from 10% to 37%. The calculator applies IRS inflation-adjusted brackets after your standard or itemized deduction and optional pre-tax 401(k) contributions.
| Tax rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 | $24,801 – $100,800 | $17,701 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 | $100,801 – $211,400 | $67,451 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 | $211,401 – $403,550 | $105,701 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 | $403,551 – $512,450 | $201,751 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 | $512,451 – $768,700 | $256,201 – $640,600 |
| 37% | $640,601+ | $768,701+ | $640,601+ |
2026 standard deduction by filing status
Most filers claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing. For 2026, the calculator uses these IRS amounts before applying federal brackets. Taxpayers age 65 or older receive an additional standard deduction (entered via age in More options).
| Filing status | 2026 standard deduction | Additional at age 65+ |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,000 | +$1,950 |
| Married filing jointly | $30,000 | +$1,550 per spouse 65+ |
| Married filing separately | $15,000 | +$1,550 |
| Head of household | $22,500 | +$1,950 |
Choose itemized deductions in More options only when your total exceeds the standard amount for your status. The calculator uses whichever is higher.
How income tax is calculated
The calculator follows a simplified annual flow. FICA (Social Security and Medicare) is excluded — see the paycheck calculator for per-check FICA.
Enter annual gross wages
Use W-2 Box 1 style wages. Choose filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household).
Select your state
Pick any of the 50 states or DC for an annual state income tax estimate alongside federal tax.
Add deductions and credits
Open More options for 401(k), standard or itemized deductions, age 65+ standard deduction, child tax credit, and other credits.
Review tax and rates
See federal tax, state tax, marginal and effective rates, and the federal bracket ladder.
Estimate refund or balance due
Enter federal tax withheld (W-2 Box 2) to preview an estimated federal refund or amount owed.
Export
Download CSV or PDF with inputs, rates, and breakdown lines — no account required.
State income tax calculator — all 50 states
Select your state for an annual state income tax estimate alongside federal tax. This state income tax calculator covers all 50 states + DC — a gap many federal-only refund tools leave out. States with no tax on wages include Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Tennessee, Alaska, and New Hampshire (wages only).
Progressive states such as California and New York use 2026 bracket tables. This is a planning estimate — not a state return. Local city income taxes are not included in v1.
Marginal vs effective tax rate
Marginal tax rate is the rate on your last dollar of taxable income — the bracket you are “in.” Effective tax rate is total income tax divided by taxable income, usually lower than the marginal rate because lower brackets apply first.
Example: $75,000 single in Texas — marginal rate 22%, effective rate on taxable income about 13% federal (state $0). At $100,000 single in Texas, federal tax is about $13,412 (22% marginal, ~15.8% effective on gross).
Tax bracket calculator — find your 2026 bracket
Use this page as a tax bracket calculator: after you enter income and filing status, results show your marginal bracket and a federal bracket ladder with tax owed in each tier. Brackets apply to taxable income (after deductions), not gross wages — so a $100,000 salary does not mean all income is taxed at 22%.
Married filing jointly brackets are wider than single; head of household sits between single and joint for most rates. Switch filing status in the calculator to compare.
IRS Tax Withholding Estimator vs this calculator
The official IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps you complete Form W-4 so your employer withholds the right amount each paycheck. This income tax calculator answers a different question: how much federal and state income tax you may owe for the full year on wages, and whether withholding already paid might cover it.
Use the IRS tool to adjust paycheck withholding; use this tool to plan annual liability, compare states, or sanity-check a refund before you file. Neither replaces professional tax advice or e-filing software.
Tax refund calculator — withholding and balance due
Enter federal tax withheld (W-2 Box 2) or estimated payments in More options. If withholding exceeds estimated federal tax, the hero shows an estimated federal refund. If you underpaid, it shows an estimated balance due. State refund math is not modeled in v1.
Most e-filed refunds arrive within about 21 days when the IRS accepts your return; paper returns take longer. Track status on IRS Where’s My Refund.
Worked examples (2026)
| Scenario | Federal tax | State tax | Total tax | After-tax income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 single, TX | $3,952 | $0 | $3,952 | $46,048 |
| $75,000 single, CA | $7,912 | $3,129 | $11,041 | $63,959 |
| $100,000 single, TX | $13,412 | $0 | $13,412 | $86,588 |
| $100,000 single, CA | $13,412 | $5,454 | $18,866 | $81,134 |
| $60,000 single, TX, $10k withheld | $4,912 federal owed | — | — | Refund ~$5,088 federal |
401(k), deductions, and credits
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce adjusted gross income before federal and most state calculations. Itemized deductions can replace the standard deduction when the total is higher. Dependents under 17 apply the child tax credit (modeled as non-refundable in v1).
Roth 401(k), HSA, and detailed Schedule A lines are advanced v1.1 candidates.
Income tax calculator vs paycheck calculator
This tool answers: “How much income tax for the year?” and “Will I get a federal refund?” The paycheck calculator answers: “What is taken out each pay period?” including FICA and W-4 withholding.
Use both: plan annual liability here, then verify per-check amounts on your pay stub with the paycheck tool.
Limitations and disclaimer
This free income tax calculator does not file taxes, store your data, or require an account. Estimates cover W-2 wage income with simplified credits and deductions — not self-employment tax, capital gains, AMT, refundable credit overages, or local city taxes.
Results are for planning only and are not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified preparer or your state revenue department before filing.
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Frequently asked questions about this income tax calculator
How do I calculate my income tax for 2026?
Enter your annual gross wages, filing status, and state. The calculator applies the 2026 standard deduction (or itemized amount), federal brackets, state tables, and optional credits. Results update live as you type.
How much federal tax on a $50,000 salary?
For a single filer with $50,000 gross in a no-tax state like Texas, estimated 2026 federal income tax is about $3,952 with the standard deduction — use the calculator for your exact filing status and deductions.
How much is California state tax on $75,000?
For $75,000 single in California, this tool estimates about $3,129 in state income tax plus $7,912 federal — roughly $11,041 total income tax before local taxes.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Marginal rate is the tax bracket on your next dollar of taxable income. Effective rate is total tax divided by taxable income — your average rate across all brackets.
How does the child tax credit work in 2026?
Enter the number of dependents under 17 in More options. The calculator applies $2,200 per qualifying child as a non-refundable credit against federal tax in v1.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (wages), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax on wages in this calculator.
How do I estimate my tax refund?
Enter federal tax withheld or estimated payments in More options. If withholding exceeds estimated federal tax, the calculator shows an estimated federal refund.
Should I take the standard or itemized deduction?
Most filers use the standard deduction. Choose itemized in More options only when your total itemized amount exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status.
How does a 401(k) affect my income tax?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce adjusted gross income before federal and most state tax calculations, lowering estimated tax. Roth 401(k) does not reduce current-year income tax.
What filing status should I use?
Choose the status that matches your expected return: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household. Status changes brackets and standard deduction amounts.
Is this the same as the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator?
No. The IRS Withholding Estimator helps you fill Form W-4 for paycheck withholding. This calculator estimates annual federal and state income tax and optional refund/due — use both for different jobs.
How accurate is this income tax calculator?
Estimates use 2026 federal brackets and simplified state annual tables. Actual returns may differ due to other income, refundable credits, AMT, self-employment tax, and local taxes. This is not tax advice.
Can I export my tax estimate to CSV or PDF?
Yes. Use Export CSV or Export PDF below the calculator for inputs, rates, and breakdown lines — no account required.
What income counts for this calculator?
Enter total annual gross wages (W-2 Box 1 style). Investment income, self-employment, and other schedules are out of scope for v1.
When are 2026 taxes due?
2026 tax year returns are generally due April 15, 2027 (or the next business day if the date falls on a weekend or holiday). Estimated payment deadlines apply if you are self-employed — not modeled here.
What tax bracket am I in for 2026?
Your marginal bracket depends on taxable income (after deductions), not gross salary. Enter income and filing status — the calculator shows your bracket and a full federal ladder. Example: $100,000 single in Texas is in the 22% marginal bracket with about $13,412 federal tax.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For 2026: $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married filing jointly), $15,000 (married filing separately), $22,500 (head of household). Taxpayers age 65+ get an additional amount — the calculator applies it when you enter age.
How much federal tax on $100,000?
For $100,000 gross wages, single, standard deduction, no credits: about $13,412 federal in Texas (no state tax). In California, add about $5,454 state tax for roughly $18,866 total — use the calculator for your filing status and deductions.
How do tax deductions and tax credits differ?
Deductions reduce taxable income before brackets apply (standard, itemized, or 401(k)). Credits reduce tax owed dollar-for-dollar after brackets — e.g. the child tax credit. This calculator models deductions and non-refundable credits in v1.
What W-2 boxes should I use?
Use Box 1 (wages, tips, other compensation) for annual gross income. Use Box 2 (federal income tax withheld) in More options to estimate a refund or balance due. State wages and withholding are not used for state refund math in v1.
Does this calculator include state income tax?
Yes. Select your state for an annual state estimate alongside federal tax — unlike many federal-only refund calculators. Local city income taxes are not included in v1.
Why might my actual refund differ from this estimate?
Real returns can include other income, refundable credits, prior-year adjustments, AMT, and schedules this tool does not model. Withholding timing, bonus checks, and mid-year W-4 changes also shift your final refund.
Is this income tax calculator free?
Yes. Free to use with no sign-up. Export results to CSV or PDF. It does not file taxes or sell your data.