The US Tax Brackets for 2026: How Much Will You Really Pay?

As you wrap up 2026 and gear up for filing in 2027, understanding the US tax brackets for 2026 is key to figuring out how much you'll really pay. These brackets, adjusted annually for inflation by the IRS, determine the progressive rates applied to your taxable income—meaning not all your earnings are taxed at the same rate.^[1][7]

The federal income tax system uses seven brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. Your exact tax bill hinges on your filing status, total income, deductions, and credits. We'll break it down with tables, examples, and tips to help you plan ahead.

What Are US Tax Brackets and How Do They Work?

A tax bracket is a range of income taxed at a specific rate. The US system is marginal, so only the income within each bracket gets taxed at that rate—not your entire income. For instance, if you're single with $60,000 taxable income, you pay 10% on the first portion, 12% on the next, and 22% on the rest.^[3]

Brackets adjust yearly via IRS inflation formulas under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which runs through 2025 but influences ongoing adjustments. For 2026 income (filed in 2027), thresholds rose about 2-3% from prior years.^[1][6]

2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets by Filing Status

Here's the full table for 2026, consistent across IRS-aligned sources. Use your filing status—Single, Married Filing Jointly (MFJ), Married Filing Separately (MFS), or Head of Household (HoH)—to find yours.^[1][3][5]

Tax Rate	Single	MFJ	MFS	HoH
10%	$0 – $12,400	$0 – $24,800	$0 – $12,400	$0 – $17,700
12%	$12,401 – $50,400	$24,801 – $100,800	$12,401 – $50,400	$17,701 – $67,450
22%	$50,401 – $105,700	$100,801 – $211,400	$50,401 – $105,700	$67,451 – $105,700
24%	$105,701 – $201,775	$211,401 – $403,550	$105,701 – $201,775	$105,701 – $201,775
32%	$201,776 – $256,225	$403,551 – $512,450	$201,776 – $256,225	$201,776 – $256,200
35%	$256,226 – $640,600	$512,451 – $768,700	$256,226 – $384,350	$256,201 – $640,600
37%	Over $640,600	Over $768,700	Over $384,350	Over $640,600

Note: Minor variations exist across sources due to rounding or preliminary estimates, but IRS figures prevail.^[1][7]

2026 Standard Deductions: Lowering Your Taxable Income

Before brackets apply, subtract the standard deduction from your adjusted gross income (AGI). For 2026:

• Single or MFS: $16,100^[1][6]
• MFJ: $32,200^[1][6]
• HoH: $24,150^[3][6]

Add extra if you're 65+ or blind (e.g., $1,600-$2,000 per person). Itemizing works if expenses like mortgage interest or state taxes exceed these—use IRS Schedule A.^[6]

Real-World Examples: How Much Will You Really Pay?

Let's calculate taxes on sample 2026 incomes (after standard deduction). Assume no other deductions/credits for simplicity.

Example 1: Single Filer, $60,000 Gross Income

Taxable income: $60,000 - $16,100 = $43,900.

1. 10% on $12,400 = $1,240
2. 12% on ($43,900 - $12,400) = $31,500 × 0.12 = $3,780
3. Total tax: $5,020 (effective rate ~11.4%)

You don't pay 22% on everything—just the portion above $50,400.^[3]

Example 2: MFJ, $150,000 Gross Income

Taxable: $150,000 - $32,200 = $117,800.

1. 10% on $24,800 = $2,480
2. 12% on ($100,800 - $24,800) = $76,000 × 0.12 = $9,120
3. 22% on ($117,800 - $100,800) = $17,000 × 0.22 = $3,740
4. Total: $15,340 (effective ~10.2%)

Example 3: High Earner, Single $300,000 Gross

Taxable: $300,000 - $16,100 = $283,900.

• 10-24% portions: ~$38,000 (detailed calc similar to above)
• 32% on ($256,225 - $201,776) = $54,449 × 0.32 = $17,424
• 35% on ($283,900 - $256,226) = $27,674 × 0.35 = $9,686
• Total: ~$72,500 (effective ~24.1%)

These show effective rates (total tax / gross income) are lower than your top bracket.^[1][3]

Key Factors That Affect Your 2026 Tax Bracket

• Taxable Income: Gross minus deductions/exemptions. Maximize via 401(k) contributions (2026 limit: ~$24,000) or IRA.^[6]
• Filing Status: MFJ doubles most thresholds—huge for couples.^[5]
• Credits: Child Tax Credit ($2,000/child, phases out at higher incomes), EITC for low earners.^[7]
• State Taxes: Add 0-13% (e.g., CA up to 13.3%, no-tax states like FL/TX).^[1]

Planning Tips to Minimize Your 2026 Tax Bill

1. Bunch Deductions: Itemize if over standard (e.g., charitable gifts, medical >7.5% AGI).
2. Max Retirement Accounts: 401(k), traditional IRA reduce AGI directly.
3. Harvest Losses: Sell losing investments to offset gains (up to $3,000 ordinary income).
4. Adjust Withholding: Use IRS W-4; aim to avoid underpayment penalties (110% of prior year's tax for AGI >$150k).
5. Quarterly Estimates: Self-employed? Pay via Form 1040-ES by April/June/Sept/Jan.

Tools like IRS withholding estimator (irs.gov) help fine-tune.

FAQ: Common Questions on 2026 US Tax Brackets

Q1: Will my tax rates change if TCJA expires?
A: TCJA individual provisions end after 2025, but 2026 brackets reflect inflation adjustments. Congress may extend—monitor irs.gov.^[1]

Q2: What's the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
A: Marginal is your top bracket (e.g., 22%); effective is total tax divided by income (often 5-10% lower).^[3]

Q3: Can I choose my filing status?
A: Yes, based on household (e.g., HoH if single with dependents). See IRS Pub 501.^[5]

Q4: How do capital gains fit in?
A: Long-term gains: 0%/15%/20% (thresholds tied to brackets, e.g., 0% if taxable <$47k single). Short-term taxed as ordinary.^[2]

Q5: When are 2026 taxes due?
A: Filed by April 15, 2027 (extensions to Oct). Income earned Jan-Dec 2026.^[1]

Q6: Are brackets the same for all income types?
A: No—ordinary income uses these; qualified dividends/gains have separate rates.^[2]

Next Steps for Your 2026 Taxes

Run your numbers with free tools like TurboTax or IRS calculators. Track expenses now for deductions, and consult a CPA or enrolled agent via irs.gov directory—especially if self-employed or with complex investments. This isn't tax advice; rules change, so verify with professionals.

Stay ahead: Download IRS Pub 17 and set calendar reminders for estimates. Smart planning keeps more money in your pocket.

Sources & References

1. Understanding the 2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets - OneDigital — onedigital.com^[1]
2. 2025-2026 Federal Tax Brackets and Income Rates - NerdWallet — nerdwallet.com^[2]
3. 2026 individual tax brackets, and tips for understanding what you pay - Principal — principal.com^[3]
4. 2025-2026 Tax Brackets & Federal Income Tax Rates | H&R Block® — hrblock.com^[4]
5. 2025 and 2026 tax brackets and federal income tax rates | Fidelity — fidelity.com^[5]
6. Tax inflation adjustments and retirement limits for 2026 - Ameriprise — ameriprise.com^[6]
7. IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 - IRS.gov — irs.gov^[7]