Federal Income Tax Calculator

How Federal Income Tax Works in the US

The United States uses a progressive federal income tax system, meaning higher portions of your income are taxed at higher rates. Your income is divided into brackets, and each bracket is taxed at its corresponding rate. This calculator uses the official 2024 IRS tax brackets to estimate your federal income tax liability.

2024 Standard Deduction Amounts

The standard deduction reduces your taxable income before the tax brackets are applied. For 2024, the standard deduction is $14,600 for Single and Married Filing Separately, $29,200 for Married Filing Jointly, and $21,900 for Head of Household. Most taxpayers claim the standard deduction rather than itemizing.

Effective vs. Marginal Tax Rate

Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income -- the highest bracket your income reaches. Your effective tax rate is the average rate you actually pay across all brackets, calculated as total tax divided by gross income. The effective rate is always lower than the marginal rate because only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this calculator include state income tax?

No. This calculator estimates federal income tax only. State income tax rates vary widely -- some states like Texas, Florida, and Washington have no state income tax, while California's top rate is 13.3%.

What filing status should I choose?

Single applies to unmarried individuals. Married Filing Jointly is for married couples filing a combined return. Married Filing Separately is for married individuals filing their own return. Head of Household is for unmarried individuals who pay more than half the cost of maintaining a home for a qualifying dependent.