Federal Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your federal income tax, refund, and effective tax rate for 2025 & 2026
Table of Contents
📊 Modify the values and click Calculate to use
Age 0-16
Age 17 or older
Income
(W-2 box 1)
(W-2 box 2)
(W-2 box 17)
(W-2 box 19)
SSA-1099, RRB-1099
1099-INT
1099-DIV
Rentals, real estate, royalties
Unemployment (1099-G), retirement (1099-R)
%
Deductions & Credits
Max $10,000 for qualified purchase
Max $2,500/Person
Max $3,000/Person, $6,000 total, up to age 13
College Education Expenses
Your Income Tax Results
Total Income:
$0.00
Adjustments to Income:
$0.00
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI):
$0.00
Standard Deduction:
$0.00
Taxable Income:
$0.00
Federal Income Tax:
$0.00
Total Tax Credits:
$0.00
Tax After Credits:
$0.00
Total Tax Liability:
$0.00
Total Federal Withholding:
$0.00
Refund / Amount Owed:
$0.00
Effective Tax Rate:
0.00%
Marginal Tax Rate:
0.00%
2025 Federal Tax Brackets
Single Filer
| Income Range | Tax Rate | Tax Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $11,925 | 10% | 10% of income |
| $11,926 – $48,475 | 12% | $1,192.50 + 12% over $11,925 |
| $48,476 – $103,350 | 22% | $5,578.50 + 22% over $48,475 |
| $103,351 – $197,300 | 24% | $17,651 + 24% over $103,350 |
| $197,301 – $250,525 | 32% | $40,199 + 32% over $197,300 |
| $250,526 – $626,350 | 35% | $57,231 + 35% over $250,525 |
| $626,351+ | 37% | $188,770 + 37% over $626,350 |
Married Filing Jointly
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $23,850 | 10% |
| $23,851 – $96,950 | 12% |
| $96,951 – $206,700 | 22% |
| $206,701 – $394,600 | 24% |
| $394,601 – $501,050 | 32% |
| $501,051 – $751,200 | 35% |
| $751,201+ | 37% |
Head of Household
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $15,975 | 10% |
| $15,976 – $61,000 | 12% |
| $61,001 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,351 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,301 – $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,526 – $626,350 | 35% |
| $626,351+ | 37% |
Tax Calculation Formulas
Total Income Calculation
Total Income = Wages + Interest + Dividends + Capital Gains + SE Income + Other Income
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
AGI = Total Income − Adjustments
Adjustments include:
• SE Tax Deduction (50% of SE tax)
• Student Loan Interest (up to $2,500)
• IRA Contributions
• Other deductions
Adjustments include:
• SE Tax Deduction (50% of SE tax)
• Student Loan Interest (up to $2,500)
• IRA Contributions
• Other deductions
Taxable Income
Taxable Income = AGI − Standard Deduction
OR
Taxable Income = AGI − Itemized Deductions (whichever is larger)
OR
Taxable Income = AGI − Itemized Deductions (whichever is larger)
Federal Income Tax (Progressive Brackets)
Income Tax = Sum of Tax on Each Bracket
Example: For $50,000 taxable income (single):
• 10% on $0–$11,925 = $1,192.50
• 12% on $11,925–$48,475 = $4,386.00
• 22% on $48,475–$50,000 = $336.50
Total = $5,915
Example: For $50,000 taxable income (single):
• 10% on $0–$11,925 = $1,192.50
• 12% on $11,925–$48,475 = $4,386.00
• 22% on $48,475–$50,000 = $336.50
Total = $5,915
Self-Employment Tax
SE Tax = Net SE Income × 92.35% × 15.3%
15.3% = 12.4% (Social Security) + 2.9% (Medicare)
92.35% adjusts for the deductible portion
15.3% = 12.4% (Social Security) + 2.9% (Medicare)
92.35% adjusts for the deductible portion
Tax Credits
Child Tax Credit = $2,000 per child (under 17)
Other Dependent Credit = $500 per dependent
Total Tax After Credits = Income Tax − All Credits
Other Dependent Credit = $500 per dependent
Total Tax After Credits = Income Tax − All Credits
Effective Tax Rate
Effective Tax Rate = (Total Tax ÷ Taxable Income) × 100%
Example: $20,000 tax on $100,000 income = 20% effective rate
Example: $20,000 tax on $100,000 income = 20% effective rate
Marginal Tax Rate
Marginal Tax Rate = Tax Rate on Your Highest Bracket
This is the rate you'll pay on your next dollar of income
This is the rate you'll pay on your next dollar of income
Refund/Amount Owed
Refund = Total Withholding − Total Tax Liability
OR
Amount Owed = Total Tax Liability − Total Withholding
OR
Amount Owed = Total Tax Liability − Total Withholding
Common Deductions & Tax Credits
Standard Deduction (2025)
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Age 65+ |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,750 | +$2,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $31,500 | +$1,600 each |
| Head of Household | $23,625 | +$2,600 |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,750 | +$1,600 |
Major Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credit: $2,000 per child under 17
- Other Dependent Credit: $500 per dependent 17+
- Earned Income Tax Credit: Up to $3,995 for eligible workers
- American Opportunity Credit: Up to $2,500 per student (education)
- Lifetime Learning Credit: Up to $2,000 per return (education)
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: Up to $3,000 of expenses
- Retirement Savings Contributions Credit: Up to $1,000
Major Deductions
- Mortgage Interest: On qualified home loans
- Real Estate Taxes (SALT): Capped at $10,000 for federal tax purposes
- State & Local Taxes: Limited to $10,000 combined (SALT cap)
- Charitable Donations: Generally 60% of AGI limit for cash
- Student Loan Interest: Up to $2,500 per person
- IRA Contributions: Up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)
- Self-Employment Tax: 50% of SE tax is deductible
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between standard and itemized deductions?
+
The standard deduction is a flat amount based on your filing status ($15,750 for single in 2025). Itemized deductions let you deduct specific expenses like mortgage interest, state taxes, charitable donations, and medical expenses. You use whichever is larger. About 90% of taxpayers use the standard deduction because it's simpler and usually larger.
How do tax credits differ from deductions?
+
Deductions reduce your taxable income (lowering your tax bracket), while credits directly reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. A $1,000 credit saves you $1,000 in taxes, while a $1,000 deduction saves you taxes based on your bracket (10-37%). Credits are generally more valuable.
What is my effective tax rate vs. marginal tax rate?
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Your effective tax rate is your total tax divided by your income (e.g., $20,000 tax on $100,000 = 20% effective). Your marginal tax rate is the highest bracket you're in (e.g., if your income falls in the 24% bracket, that's your marginal rate). Your marginal rate is always higher than your effective rate because of the progressive system.
Will I get a refund or owe taxes?
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If your total tax withholdings (W-2 withholding plus estimated payments) exceed your tax liability, you get a refund. If it's less, you owe the difference. This calculator shows both scenarios. You can adjust withholding on Form W-4 to reduce overpayment throughout the year.
Can I claim dependents and what tax benefits do they provide?
You can claim dependents who meet specific requirements (relationship, residency, support, citizenship, income). Each dependent under 17 gives you a $2,000 Child Tax Credit. Other dependents (17+) provide a $500 credit. These credits directly reduce your tax liability, making them valuable.
What income sources require tax withholding?
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W-2 wages have mandatory withholding. Investment income (interest, dividends) may have optional backup withholding. Self-employment income has no withholding—you must make quarterly estimated payments. Gig economy income (1099 income) also requires estimated payments. Income type determines how taxes are handled.
How do I reduce my tax liability?
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Ways to reduce taxes: (1) Maximize tax-advantaged contributions (401k, IRA, HSA), (2) Take all available deductions (mortgage interest, charitable donations, student loan interest), (3) Claim all tax credits (child tax credit, education credits), (4) Use tax-loss harvesting for investments, (5) Consider tax-efficient investment strategies. Consulting a tax professional can identify specific opportunities.
Is this calculator accurate for my specific situation?
This calculator uses 2025 IRS tax brackets, deductions, and credit limits. It provides general estimates for straightforward tax situations. However, tax situations vary based on: AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax), complex deductions, business income, investment strategies, and life changes. For precise calculations, especially if you earn over $200k or have complex income, consult a CPA or tax professional.