Updated for 2026

Federal Tax Brackets 2026

Complete guide to 2026 federal income tax rates and brackets for all filing statuses

How Federal Tax Brackets Work

The United States uses a progressive tax system, which means your income is taxed at different rates as it increases. You don't pay the same percentage on all your income — instead, your income is divided into chunks (brackets), and each chunk is taxed at its corresponding rate.

For example, if you're a single filer earning $60,000 in 2026, you don't pay 22% on the entire amount. Instead, you pay:

  • 10% on the first $12,400 = $1,192.50
  • 12% on income from $12,400 to $50,400 = $4,386
  • 22% on income from $50,400 to $60,000 = $2,535.50
  • Total federal tax: $8,114 (effective rate of 13.5%)

This progressive structure ensures that higher earners pay a larger share of their income in taxes, while lower earners keep more of their money.

2026 Tax Bracket Tables

View the complete tax brackets for all filing statuses

Single Tax Brackets 2026

Income RangeTax Rate
$0 - $12,40010%
$12,400 - $50,40012%
$50,400 - $105,70022%
$105,700 - $201,77524%
$201,775 - $256,22532%
$256,225 - $640,60035%
$640,600 - and above37%

Married Filing Jointly Tax Brackets 2026

Income RangeTax Rate
$0 - $24,80010%
$24,800 - $100,80012%
$100,800 - $211,40022%
$211,400 - $403,55024%
$403,550 - $512,45032%
$512,450 - $768,70035%
$768,700 - and above37%

Married Filing Separately Tax Brackets 2026

Income RangeTax Rate
$0 - $12,40010%
$12,400 - $50,40012%
$50,400 - $105,70022%
$105,700 - $201,77524%
$201,775 - $256,22532%
$256,225 - $384,35035%
$384,350 - and above37%

Head of Household Tax Brackets 2026

Income RangeTax Rate
$0 - $17,70010%
$17,700 - $67,45012%
$67,450 - $105,70022%
$105,700 - $201,77524%
$201,775 - $256,20032%
$256,200 - $640,60035%
$640,600 - and above37%

Standard Deduction 2026

The 2026 standard deduction reduces your taxable income before brackets apply. Most filers take the standard deduction rather than itemize.

Single
$16,100
2026 standard deduction
Married Filing Jointly
$32,200
2026 standard deduction
Head of Household
$24,150
2026 standard deduction
Married Filing Separately
$16,100
2026 standard deduction

Additional standard deduction (age 65+ or blind): $2,000 for unmarried filers, $1,600 for married filers (per condition that applies, so $3,200 if both age 65+ for MFJ).

When to itemize instead: Itemize on Schedule A only if your itemized deductions (mortgage interest, SALT capped at $40,400 for 2026 per OBBBA — phased down 30¢ per dollar of MAGI over $500K, never below the $10K floor — charitable contributions, medical expenses over 7.5% of AGI, etc.) exceed your standard deduction. The OBBBA SALT-cap expansion for 2026-2029 is a meaningful tailwind for high-tax-state itemizers (CA, NY, NJ, IL, MA).

Dependents: If you can be claimed as a dependent, your 2026 standard deduction is limited to the greater of $1,350 or your earned income plus $450 (capped at the regular standard deduction).

See the full standard deduction guide → (state conformity map, dependents, MFS gotchas, all special cases)

Related 2026 limits: See our 2026 contribution limits page for 401(k) ($24,500), IRA ($7,500), HSA ($4,400 / $8,750), FSA ($3,400), and every other IRS-published number for 2026. Or project your retirement balance with the 401(k) calculator.

Key Takeaways

  • Progressive System: The U.S. tax system is progressive, meaning you pay higher rates only on income above certain thresholds, not on your entire income.
  • Seven Brackets: For 2026, there are seven federal tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%.
  • Filing Status Matters: Your tax brackets depend on your filing status. Married couples filing jointly have wider brackets than single filers.
  • Marginal vs Effective: Your marginal tax rate is the rate on your last dollar earned. Your effective tax rate is your total tax divided by total income, which is always lower.
  • Annual Adjustments: Tax brackets are adjusted annually for inflation, typically announced by the IRS in October or November.

Federal Tax Brackets FAQ

Common questions about federal income tax brackets and rates