Federal Income Tax Calculator
Federal tax is charged in layers, so your top rate is not the rate you pay on every dollar. Enter your taxable income to see the estimated tax owed along with your effective and marginal rates.
How this math works
The calculator runs your taxable income through the 2025 single-filer federal brackets, taxing each layer at its own rate and adding the pieces together. The total is your estimated federal income tax.
It also reports your effective rate, which is tax divided by income, and your marginal rate, which is the bracket your last dollar falls into.
Common questions
Is this my total tax bill?
No. This covers federal income tax only. It does not include Social Security, Medicare, state tax, or any credits that could lower what you actually owe.
Should I enter income before or after deductions?
Enter taxable income, which is your income after subtracting the standard deduction or your itemized deductions. The brackets apply to that taxable figure.
What is the difference between effective and marginal rate?
Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar of income. Your effective rate is your total tax divided by your income, and it is always lower because earlier dollars are taxed in lower brackets.
The Flourish Letter
One smart money idea each week, charts included. Join free and get the printable 2026 Money Calendar in your welcome email.