Where Your Money Goes
Paycheck Breakdown
Federal Bracket Breakdown
| Bracket | Rate | Taxed in Bracket | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Federal | - | ||
Understanding Your 2026 Tax Bill
The U.S. uses a progressive tax system. You only pay a higher rate on the income inside that bracket, not on your entire income. Your effective rate is what you actually paid divided by your gross income, always lower than your marginal rate (the rate on your last dollar earned).
2026 Federal Tax Brackets
Projected inflation-adjusted brackets for tax year 2026:
| Rate | Single | Married Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,925 | $0 - $23,850 | $0 - $17,000 |
| 12% | $11,925 - $48,475 | $23,850 - $96,950 | $17,000 - $64,850 |
| 22% | $48,475 - $103,350 | $96,950 - $206,700 | $64,850 - $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,350 - $197,300 | $206,700 - $394,600 | $103,350 - $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,300 - $250,525 | $394,600 - $501,050 | $197,300 - $250,500 |
| 35% | $250,525 - $626,350 | $501,050 - $751,600 | $250,500 - $626,350 |
| 37% | $626,350+ | $751,600+ | $626,350+ |
Standard Deductions 2026
- Single: $15,750
- Married Filing Jointly: $31,500
- Head of Household: $23,625
How FICA Works
FICA covers Social Security (6.2% on the first $176,100 of wages in 2026) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages, with an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 single / $250,000 married). These are not income taxes — they fund the federal retirement and health programs.
State Tax Notes
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming. California has the highest top rate at 13.3%, followed by Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey.
Our calculator uses simplified state tax rates — actual state tax depends on state-specific deductions, credits, and rules. For precise state calculations, visit our state tax guides.