Tax Bracket
A tax bracket is an income range taxed at a specific rate. The U.S. system is progressive, so moving into a higher bracket only taxes the income above that threshold at the higher rate — not your entire income. That's why a raise never leaves you with less take-home pay.
The bracket your top dollar falls into is your marginal rate; the average across all your income is your effective rate, which is always lower. Understanding this prevents the common myth that earning more can push your whole paycheck into a higher tax.
Put it to work
Federal Income Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax: total tax, effective and marginal rates, and a bracket-by-bracket breakdown using official IRS figures.
Take-Home Pay Calculator
See your actual paycheck after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, 401(k), health premiums, and state tax — per paycheck and per year (2026 figures).