Every year, the IRS adjusts the federal income tax brackets for inflation — a process called indexing. For 2026, the IRS announced adjustments in late 2025 that provide modest relief to most workers. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 federal tax brackets, what changed, and how to calculate your exact salary after taxes.
| Tax Rate | Income Range (Single) | Tax on This Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 — $11,925 | Up to $1,192 |
| 12% | $11,925 — $48,475 | Up to $4,386 |
| 22% | $48,475 — $103,350 | Up to $12,073 |
| 24% | $103,350 — $197,300 | Up to $22,548 |
| 32% | $197,300 — $250,525 | Up to $17,031 |
| 35% | $250,525 — $626,350 | Up to $131,562 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | 37% on amount above |
| Tax Rate | Income Range (MFJ) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 — $23,850 |
| 12% | $23,850 — $96,950 |
| 22% | $96,950 — $206,700 |
| 24% | $206,700 — $394,600 |
| 32% | $394,600 — $501,050 |
| 35% | $501,050 — $751,600 |
| 37% | Over $751,600 |
The IRS increases bracket thresholds each year to prevent what economists call "bracket creep" — where inflation pushes workers into higher tax brackets even though their real purchasing power has not changed. For 2026, all bracket thresholds increased by approximately 2.7% from 2025 levels.
| Item | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard deduction (single) | $14,600 | $15,000 | +$400 |
| Standard deduction (MFJ) | $29,200 | $30,000 | +$800 |
| 10% bracket top (single) | $11,600 | $11,925 | +$325 |
| 12% bracket top (single) | $47,150 | $48,475 | +$1,325 |
| SS wage base | $168,600 | $176,100 | +$7,500 |
The practical impact varies by income level. Here are real-world examples showing estimated annual take-home pay for a single filer in 2026 versus 2025:
| Gross Salary | Est. 2025 Take-Home | Est. 2026 Take-Home | Annual Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,210 | $40,590 | +$380 |
| $75,000 | $57,820 | $58,350 | +$530 |
| $100,000 | $73,940 | $74,680 | +$740 |
| $150,000 | $104,120 | $105,150 | +$1,030 |
FICA taxes also changed slightly for 2026. The Social Security wage base increased from $168,600 in 2025 to $176,100 in 2026. This means workers earning above $168,600 will pay Social Security tax on an additional $7,500 of income. The Social Security rate remains 6.2% and the Medicare rate remains 1.45% with no wage cap.
To calculate your exact take-home pay for 2026, follow these steps:
Step 1: Subtract the standard deduction from your gross salary. For a single filer earning $80,000: $80,000 − $15,000 = $65,000 federal taxable income.
Step 2: Apply the federal brackets progressively. The first $11,925 is taxed at 10% ($1,192.50), the next $36,550 at 12% ($4,386), and the remaining $16,525 at 22% ($3,635.50). Total federal income tax: $9,214.
Step 3: Add FICA taxes. Social Security: $80,000 × 6.2% = $4,960. Medicare: $80,000 × 1.45% = $1,160. Total FICA: $6,120.
Step 4: Add state income tax. This varies by state. Texas has none; California would add approximately $2,800 on this income.
Step 5: Subtract all taxes from gross. $80,000 − $9,214 − $6,120 = $64,666 take-home (federal only, before state tax).
Or simply use our calculator below — it does all of this instantly for all 50 states.
Use our free calculator to see your exact take-home pay for any US state, updated for 2026 tax brackets.
Calculate My Take-Home Pay →Federal tax is only part of the picture. State income tax can add anywhere from 0% (in Texas, Florida, and 7 other states) to 13.3% (California's top rate) on top of your federal bill. For a full picture of your salary after taxes including state deductions, use our state-by-state calculator.
The 2026 tax year brings modest but meaningful relief for most American workers. The higher standard deduction and wider bracket thresholds mean most people will take home a few hundred dollars more than they did in 2025 without changing anything about their behaviour. Use our salary calculator to see the exact impact on your specific income and state situation.