Tax composition
Tax
Credits
Payments
Scenario comparison table
| Scenario | Deduction | Taxable income | Federal tax | Refund / due |
|---|
Federal bracket table
| Rate | Single | MFJ | MFS | HOH |
|---|
How this estimator works
This page estimates federal income tax only. It uses filing status, gross income, above-the-line adjustments, deduction choice, basic credits and federal payments already made. It does not model state tax or full IRS return complexity.
Core logic
gross income = all income inputs
AGI = gross income - adjustments
taxable income = AGI - deduction used
base tax = marginal brackets applied by year and filing status
net tax = base tax - nonrefundable credits - refundable credits
refund or amount due = payments already made - net tax
AGI = gross income - adjustments
taxable income = AGI - deduction used
base tax = marginal brackets applied by year and filing status
net tax = base tax - nonrefundable credits - refundable credits
refund or amount due = payments already made - net tax
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this calculator include?+
It estimates federal income tax for 2025 and 2026 using filing status, income, adjustments, deduction choice, basic credits and payments already made.
Does this include state income tax?+
No. This version is federal-only.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?+
Marginal rate is the top federal bracket reached by taxable income. Effective rate is estimated federal tax divided by total gross income.
Should I use standard or itemized deductions?+
Use whichever gives the larger deduction unless you are intentionally forcing one method for comparison. Auto mode chooses the higher amount.
Does withholding change my tax bill or just my refund?+
Withholding changes refund or amount due. It does not change the underlying federal tax calculation.
Does this include self-employment tax?+
No. Self-employment tax should be handled in a separate calculator.