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Income Tax Calculator

Estimate U.S. federal income tax, refund, or amount owed using 2025 and 2026 federal brackets.

Inputs

Results update as you edit.

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Estimated refund

$1,690.00

Results update as the calculator inputs change.

Do not use this as tax advice; confirm high-stakes filing decisions with IRS guidance or a tax professional.

Taxable income

$70,900.00

Deduction used

$16,100.00

Federal tax after credits

$10,310.00

Effective tax rate

10.85%

Marginal bracket

22%

How to Estimate Income Tax

Taxable Income
Gross income is reduced by pre-tax deductions and either standard or itemized deductions.
Progressive Brackets
Federal income tax applies different rates to different slices of taxable income.
Credits and Withholding
Credits reduce tax liability, while withholding determines whether you may owe or receive a refund.

How to Read an Income Tax Estimate

A tax calculator can approximate federal tax liability, effective tax rate, and refund or amount owed. It is a planning tool, not a filing calculation, because real returns include more deductions, credits, and rules.

What Factors Affect Income Tax?

Gross Income

Wages, self-employment income, investment income, and other income can be taxed differently.

Filing Status

Filing status changes bracket widths and deduction amounts.

Pre-Tax Deductions

Retirement, HSA, and benefit deductions can reduce taxable income.

Standard vs Itemized

The larger deduction usually lowers taxable income more.

Tax Credits

Credits reduce tax directly and can be more powerful than deductions.

Withholding

Withholding compares payments already made to estimated tax liability.

Tax Planning Checks

Federal Liability

Estimate tax before comparing it with withholding.

Effective Rate

Compare total tax with gross income to understand the blended rate.

Refund or Owed

Subtract withholding and credits to estimate the year-end result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this calculator a tax return?

No. It is an estimate for planning. Tax filing may involve additional income types, deductions, credits, phaseouts, and state rules.

What is taxable income?

Taxable income is income after eligible deductions. Federal brackets apply to taxable income, not total gross income.

What is the difference between a deduction and a credit?

A deduction reduces taxable income. A credit reduces tax liability directly.

Why is my effective tax rate lower than my top bracket?

The U.S. federal income tax is progressive, so only the income in each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate.

Does this include state taxes?

This calculator focuses on federal income tax. State and local taxes should be estimated separately when they apply.