Understanding which tax bracket you fall into and how much the standard deduction is plays a major role in calculating your annual federal tax bill.
For the 2026 tax year (tax returns filed in 2027), the U.S. federal income tax system continues to follow a progressive structure, meaning different portions of income are taxed at different rates.
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Both tax brackets and standard deduction amounts have been adjusted for inflation to reflect rising living costs.
Federal Income Tax Brackets for 2026
There are seven federal income tax brackets, ranging from 10% to 37%. Your income is not taxed at one flat rate. Instead, income is taxed in layers, with each portion falling into a specific bracket.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets
| Tax Rate | Single Filers | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 | $24,801 – $100,800 | $17,701 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 | $100,801 – $211,400 | $67,451 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 | $211,401 – $403,550 | $105,701 – $201,775 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 | $403,551 – $512,450 | $201,776 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 | $512,451 – $768,700 | $256,201 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
Standard Deduction for 2026
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income without requiring itemized expenses.
2026 Standard Deduction
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 |
| Head of Household | $24,150 |
Personal exemptions remain eliminated, making the standard deduction even more important.
Knowing your tax bracket and standard deduction amount helps you estimate taxes accurately and plan finances effectively. The 2026 inflation adjustments allow many taxpayers to keep more income taxed at lower rates while benefiting from higher deductions.
FAQs
Do I pay my tax bracket rate on all income?
No. Only the portion of income within each bracket is taxed at that rate.
Should I choose standard or itemized deductions?
Choose whichever is higher to reduce taxable income the most.
Do tax brackets change every year?
Yes. They are adjusted annually to account for inflation.