2026 federal income tax brackets
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $12,400 | Up to $24,800 | Up to $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% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
These apply to taxable income: pay minus pre-tax deductions such as a traditional 401(k), minus the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household for 2026). Only the income inside each band is taxed at that band's rate.
Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026.
- Medicare: 1.45% of all wages, plus an extra 0.9% on wages above $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly).
Unlike income tax, FICA is charged on your pay before 401(k) contributions, so contributing to a traditional 401(k) doesn't reduce it.
State and local income tax
Nine states don't tax wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. The rest use either a flat rate or brackets, and many cut their rates for 2026. Some cities and counties add their own income tax, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, most Ohio cities and every Maryland and Indiana county. Enter it as a local tax rate above.
State payroll contributions such as California SDI and paid family leave programs in several states aren't included.
FAQ
Why is my real paycheck different?
Withholding depends on your W-4, benefits deducted before tax (like health insurance), and how your employer's payroll spreads the year. This calculator estimates the tax you actually owe on your pay for the year, which is what withholding aims to match.
Does it include tax credits?
No. Credits such as the Child Tax Credit reduce your tax further. If they apply to you, your take-home pay or refund will be higher.