Quick answer
On a $75,000 salary filing single in 2026, federal income tax is about $7,670 after the $16,100 standard deduction, an effective rate of 10.2%, even though the top bracket reached is 22%. Each bracket taxes only the income inside it. This is a planning estimate using the IRS-published 2026 brackets, not a filed return.
How the Tax Calculator works, step by step
Enter your gross annual income, filing status, and whether you take the standard deduction or itemize. The calculator subtracts the deduction first, $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly in 2026, to get taxable income. If your itemized deductions are larger, enter them instead; the calculator uses whichever figure you choose, so the result reflects your real filing position.
It then walks your taxable income through the 2026 federal brackets in order: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. For a single filer the 10% bracket covers the first $12,400 of taxable income, 12% runs to $50,400, and 22% to $105,700. Only the slice inside each bracket is taxed at that rate, which is why your effective rate stays below your top bracket.
The result shows total federal tax, your effective rate, total tax divided by gross income, and your marginal rate, the bracket your next dollar of income falls into. A bracket-by-bracket breakdown shows exactly how much tax comes from each slice. Use the marginal rate when judging extra income or a deduction; use the effective rate when comparing your overall burden.
You can also enter tax credits and the amount already withheld from your pay. Credits cut the tax itself, dollar for dollar, so $1,000 of credits removes $1,000 of tax, unlike deductions, which only shrink the income being taxed. Comparing the result with your withholding shows whether you are on track for a refund or a balance due at filing.
This is a federal estimate only: it leaves out state income tax, Social Security and Medicare tax, and credits such as the child tax credit, all of which move the final number. The 2026 brackets come from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32. For a per-paycheck view that includes payroll tax, use the paycheck calculator instead.
The formula
Taxable income = gross income minus standard deduction (or itemized deductions, if larger). Tax = the sum, over each bracket, of the income slice inside the bracket multiplied by that bracket's rate. Credits are subtracted from the tax, not from income.
Worked example — try it on the calculator above
Worked example: $60,000 salary, single filer, tax year 2026
Gross income is $60,000. Subtract the $16,100 standard deduction and taxable income is $43,900. The first $12,400 is taxed at 10%, giving $1,240. The remaining $31,500 falls in the 12% bracket, giving $3,780. Total federal tax is $5,020, an effective rate of 8.4%. The marginal rate is 12%, so an extra $100 of income would add $12 of tax. A $1,000 credit would cut the bill to $4,020 directly. If $6,000 had been withheld during the year, the refund would be $980. If only $4,500 had been withheld, $520 would be due at filing. The calculator shows this comparison automatically once you enter your withholding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For tax year 2026 the IRS sets the standard deduction at $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly (Revenue Procedure 2025-32). Filers who are 65 or older or blind add $2,050 per condition if single, $1,650 per spouse if joint. If your itemized deductions are larger than the standard amount, itemizing gives the lower tax bill.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rates?
Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar of income, 22% for a single filer with 2026 taxable income between $50,400 and $105,700. Your effective rate is total tax divided by total income, and it is always lower because the first dollars are taxed at 10% and 12%. Use the marginal rate for decisions about extra income; use the effective rate to compare overall burdens.
Does this calculator include state income tax?
No. It estimates federal income tax only. State income tax ranges from 0% in states such as Texas and Florida to a top rate of 13.3% in California. Add your state estimate separately, or use the income tax calculator, which stacks federal, state and payroll tax together.
Why is my estimate different from my actual refund or amount owed?
A refund or balance due is the difference between your total tax and what was already withheld during the year. Credits, pre-tax retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, a second job and capital gains all move the final number. This calculator estimates the tax itself; enter your withholding to see the refund or balance due.
Estimates, not advice. This calculator provides educational estimates based on the inputs you enter and the assumptions shown on this page. It is not financial, tax or investment advice, and it cannot see your full situation. Verify important figures against official sources, and consider a qualified professional for decisions about your own money. See our Disclaimer and Methodology.