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.
For a single filer in 2026 the federal bands run 10% to $12,400 of taxable income, 12% to $50,400, 22% to $105,700, 24% to $201,775, then 32%, 35% and 37%. Income is sliced across them rather than assigned to one: taxable income of $58,900 is taxed at 10% on the first $12,400, 12% on the next slice, and 22% only on the part above $50,400. Note that the thresholds apply to taxable income — after the standard or itemized deduction — not to salary, which is why the bracket you are “in” is lower than your pay suggests. The bands are adjusted for inflation each year.
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).