Income Tax Calculator
A raise never reduces your take-home pay, because the United States uses progressive brackets. Only the dollars above each threshold are taxed at the higher rate. This calculator shows the tax on each slice of income, plus payroll taxes.
Income and filing status
Interest, non-qualified dividends, business income, unemployment.
Traditional 401(k), HSA and health premiums from a cafeteria plan.
Where the money goes
You keep $65,110 of $80,000. The largest single piece is federal income tax.
Tax by bracket
Each rate applies only to the income inside that band. This is why a raise never reduces your take-home pay.
| Rate | Income taxed | Tax | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $12,400 | $1,240 | 14.1% |
| 12% | $38,000 | $4,560 | 52.0% |
| 22% | $13,500 | $2,970 | 33.9% |
| Total | $63,900 | $8,770 | 100% |
Uses 2026 federal brackets and the standard deduction. State income tax, tax credits, itemized deductions, self-employment tax and the child tax credit are not included. Social Security is capped at $184,500 of wages for 2026.
Brackets apply to slices of income
If you are single and earn $80,000, you do not pay 22 percent on all of it. You pay 10 percent on the first $12,400, 12 percent up to $50,400, and 22 percent only on the remainder. The bracket you land in is called your marginal rate; what you actually pay as a share of income is your effective rate.
Payroll taxes are separate
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare. You pay 6.2 percent of wages up to the Social Security wage base ($184,500 for 2026) and 1.45 percent on everything for Medicare. An extra 0.9 percent applies to wages above $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married couples.
Unlike income tax, FICA has no standard deduction and no brackets. It is a flat percentage from the first dollar.
What this calculator does not include
State income tax varies enormously. Nine states levy no tax on wage income, while California's top rate is above 13 percent. Credits, itemized deductions, the child tax credit and self-employment tax are also outside the scope here.
Frequently asked questions
Will a raise push me into a higher bracket and cost me money?
No. Only income above the threshold is taxed at the higher rate. Crossing into a new bracket always increases your take-home pay, just by slightly less than the raise itself.
What is the difference between a deduction and a credit?
A deduction reduces taxable income, so a $1,000 deduction in the 22 percent bracket saves $220. A credit reduces the tax itself, so a $1,000 credit saves the full $1,000.
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
Take whichever is larger. The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. Most filers benefit from the standard deduction.
Why do I owe money in April if tax is withheld from my paycheck?
Withholding is an estimate based on the W-4 you filed. Side income, investment gains, or a mid-year change in filing status can leave a shortfall. Updating your W-4 usually fixes it for the following year.
This calculator is an educational tool and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs and assumptions described above. Verify important figures with a qualified professional or the relevant government agency before acting on them.