Using the Income Tax Calculator
Use it to understand how a change in ordinary income affects estimated federal tax. A marginal bracket applies only to the portion falling within that bracket, not automatically to every dollar earned.
Worked example
Use the example inputs below to reproduce this result. These are the form's starting values, not recommended targets. Changing your inputs updates your result above; this worked example stays fixed for comparison. Results are rounded for display.
Example inputs
- Annual ordinary income ($)
- 75000
- Filing status
- Single
Example result
- Estimated federal income tax ($)
- 7,670
- After federal income tax ($)
- 67,330
- Effective rate (%)
- 10.23
Method and assumptions
2026 brackets and basic standard deduction. Excludes credits, itemized and special deductions, capital gains, AMT, payroll and state taxes. For basic scenario comparisons, not filing.
Reference: irs.gov — method and further reading
Match the tax year and scope
Tax estimates depend on the year, jurisdiction and definitions used in the model. Check whether an input means gross income, taxable income or an amount after a particular deduction. Keep excluded credits, other taxes and special circumstances separate. A simplified scenario can explain a relationship without reproducing the amount on an actual return.
Common question
Is my marginal tax rate the same as my effective rate?
No. The marginal rate concerns the next taxable dollar. The effective rate shown here is estimated federal income tax divided by the gross ordinary income entered.
Guide updated .