US Tax Bracket Calculator
Estimate your 2024 federal income tax using IRS tax brackets. Enter your taxable income and filing status to see your marginal rate, effective rate, and a complete bracket breakdown. State taxes are not included.
Not sure of your taxable income? Use the standard deduction helper.
2024 standard deductions: Single / MFS = $14,600; MFJ = $29,200; HOH = $21,900. Does not account for itemized deductions, additional adjustments, or the QBI deduction.
Quick examples:
Bracket-by-bracket breakdown
| Rate | Income in bracket | Tax |
|---|
How the US Federal Income Tax Works
The United States uses a progressive marginal tax system. This means that each additional dollar of income is taxed only at the rate that applies to that specific bracket — not at the highest rate you reach. Many people mistakenly believe that earning more can result in less take-home pay because they "move into a higher bracket"; that is a myth. Only the dollars above the bracket threshold are taxed at the higher rate.
Marginal Rate vs. Effective Rate
- Marginal rate — the rate that applies to your last (highest) dollar of income. This is your tax bracket.
- Effective rate — your total tax divided by your total taxable income. Because lower portions of your income are taxed at lower rates, your effective rate is always lower than your marginal rate.
2024 Tax Brackets (IRS)
These are the taxable income thresholds for each rate under the four most common filing statuses:
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0–$11,600 | $0–$23,200 | $0–$16,550 |
| 12% | $11,600–$47,150 | $23,200–$94,300 | $16,550–$63,100 |
| 22% | $47,150–$100,525 | $94,300–$201,050 | $63,100–$100,500 |
| 24% | $100,525–$191,950 | $201,050–$383,900 | $100,500–$191,950 |
| 32% | $191,950–$243,725 | $383,900–$487,450 | $191,950–$243,700 |
| 35% | $243,725–$609,350 | $487,450–$731,200 | $243,700–$609,350 |
| 37% | Over $609,350 | Over $731,200 | Over $609,350 |
Married Filing Separately uses the same brackets as Single for 2024. Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2023-34.
What This Calculator Does Not Include
This tool estimates federal income tax only. It does not account for:
- State or local income taxes
- Self-employment tax (15.3% on net self-employment income)
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
- Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT, 3.8%)
- Tax credits (Child Tax Credit, EITC, etc.)
- Above-the-line deductions (IRA contributions, HSA, student loan interest, etc.)
For planning purposes, also consider your total savings rate using the Savings Goal Calculator and long-term wealth building with the Investment Return Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does earning more money always increase my taxes?
Yes, but only on the incremental amount. Moving into a higher bracket does not increase taxes on the income already taxed at lower rates. The only scenario where earning more can reduce take-home pay is if the extra income phases out a credit or deduction you currently qualify for.
What is taxable income?
Taxable income is your adjusted gross income (AGI) minus either the standard deduction or your itemized deductions, whichever is larger. It is the amount the tax brackets are applied to — not your gross salary.
Should I file jointly or separately if I'm married?
Married filing jointly almost always results in a lower combined tax bill because the MFJ brackets are roughly double the single brackets. Filing separately can occasionally be beneficial if one spouse has very high medical expenses or other income-based deduction phase-outs, but consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
When do the 2024 tax brackets apply?
The 2024 brackets apply to income earned in calendar year 2024, reported on returns due April 15, 2025 (or October 15, 2025 with an extension).
What is the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit?
A deduction reduces your taxable income — its value depends on your marginal rate. A credit directly reduces the tax you owe, dollar for dollar, and is therefore more valuable than an equivalent deduction for most taxpayers.
