US federal income tax calculator (2026)
Free, private US income tax calculator for 2026. Enter your gross income and filing status to instantly estimate federal tax, FICA, and take-home pay.
Federal income tax + FICA only — state and local income taxes are not included. Tax year 2026. Rates last updated 2026-06-29.
How to use
- Enter your annual gross income. Type your total yearly income before any taxes or deductions, in US dollars. Use your gross salary or expected annual earnings for the 2026 tax year.
- Choose your filing status. Select single, married filing jointly, or head of household. Your status sets the standard deduction and the bracket thresholds used in the calculation.
- Review your taxable income and federal tax. The calculator subtracts the 2026 standard deduction to find your taxable income, then applies the 2026 federal brackets to compute your federal income tax.
- Check FICA and take-home pay. See your Social Security and Medicare (FICA) contributions plus your effective and marginal rates, then your estimated annual take-home pay.
Features
- 2026 brackets and standard deduction. Applies the 2026 progressive federal tax brackets and the standard deduction for your filing status automatically — no manual IRS table lookup needed.
- Effective and marginal rates. Shows both your average (effective) rate and the rate on your top dollar (marginal), so you can see how the brackets actually work for your income.
- FICA included. Adds Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes on top of income tax for a more realistic picture of what actually leaves your paycheck.
- Instant take-home estimate. Combines federal income tax and FICA to estimate your annual take-home pay the moment you enter your income and status.
- 100% private, runs in your browser. Every calculation happens locally on your device. Your income and filing details are never uploaded, saved, or shared.
When to use it
- Budgeting your monthly cash flow based on realistic after-tax income for 2026
- Comparing two job offers or a raise by take-home pay, not just the headline salary
- Understanding how moving into a higher federal bracket actually affects your paycheck
- Sanity-checking your paycheck withholding before the 2027 filing season
- Planning the federal portion of estimated quarterly taxes as a freelancer or contractor
Is it private?
All calculations run entirely in your browser — your income and filing details are never uploaded, stored, or shared.
Frequently asked questions
Is this US income tax calculator free and private?
Yes. It is completely free with no sign-up or limits, and it is 100% private. All calculations run locally in your browser, so your income and filing status are never uploaded, stored, or shared.
How is the estimate calculated, and what does it include?
From your annual gross income, it subtracts the 2026 standard deduction for your filing status to find taxable income, applies the 2026 progressive federal brackets, and adds FICA — Social Security and Medicare. It then shows taxable income, federal income tax, effective and marginal rate, FICA, and estimated take-home pay.
What does it not include?
It covers federal income tax and FICA only. It does not include state or local income tax, itemized deductions, tax credits, retirement or pre-tax contributions, additional income, or other withholdings, so it is a federal-only estimate.
What is the difference between effective and marginal tax rate?
Your marginal rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of taxable income — the top bracket you reach. Your effective rate is your total federal income tax as a share of your gross income, the true average. Because the system is progressive, your effective rate is lower than your marginal rate.
Which tax year does it use, and do rates change?
It uses the 2026 tax year, for returns typically filed in early 2027. The IRS adjusts federal brackets, the standard deduction, and FICA thresholds over time, so figures for other years will differ — always check the latest numbers.
Does it cover state income tax?
No. This is a federal-only calculator. State and local income taxes vary widely — some states have no income tax, while others set their own brackets — so they are not part of this estimate.
Is this tax advice?
No. This tool is for education and planning only and provides an estimate, not tax, legal, or financial advice. Your actual tax depends on credits, deductions, additional income, and personal circumstances, so consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS for your situation.
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