Tax Calculator

Calculate federal income tax, deductions, and estimate your tax liability or refund

How to Use the Tax Calculator

1

Enter Income

Input your annual gross income and filing status.

2

Add Deductions

Choose standard or itemized deductions, add retirement contributions and tax credits.

3

View Results

See your estimated tax, effective rate, and tax bracket breakdown.

Understanding Tax Terms

Gross Income

Your total income before any deductions or taxes. This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, tips, investment income, and other sources of income.

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

Your gross income minus specific deductions called “adjustments to income.” These include things like 401(k) contributions, traditional IRA contributions, student loan interest, and health savings account (HSA) contributions.

Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions

The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount that reduces your taxable income. For 2024, it's $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married filing jointly.

Itemized deductions allow you to deduct specific expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations, and medical expenses. You should itemize only if your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction.

Taxable Income

Your AGI minus deductions (either standard or itemized). This is the amount of income that is actually subject to federal income tax.

Marginal Tax Rate

The tax rate you pay on your last dollar of income. Because the US uses a progressive tax system, you don't pay the same rate on all your income. For example, if you're in the 22% bracket, it means the last portion of your income is taxed at 22%, not your entire income.

Effective Tax Rate

The average rate you pay on all your taxable income. This is calculated by dividing your total tax by your taxable income. This rate is always lower than your marginal rate due to the progressive tax system.

Tax Credits

Unlike deductions which reduce your taxable income, tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe, dollar-for-dollar. Common credits include the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and education credits.

Tax Saving Tips

Maximize Retirement Contributions

Contributing to a 401(k) or traditional IRA reduces your taxable income. For 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000 to a 401(k) and $7,000 to an IRA.

Contribute to an HSA

Health Savings Account contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.

Claim All Eligible Credits

Don't miss out on tax credits like the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, or education credits.

Consider Itemizing

If you have significant mortgage interest, property taxes, or charitable donations, itemizing may save you more than the standard deduction.

Harvest Tax Losses

Sell losing investments to offset capital gains and reduce your taxable income by up to $3,000 per year.

Time Your Income and Deductions

If possible, defer income to next year or accelerate deductions to this year to lower your current tax bill.

2024 Federal Tax Brackets

Single Filers

$0 - $11,60010%
$11,600 - $47,15012%
$47,150 - $100,52522%
$100,525 - $191,95024%
$191,950 - $243,72532%
$243,725 - $609,35035%
$609,350+37%

Married Filing Jointly

$0 - $23,20010%
$23,200 - $94,30012%
$94,300 - $201,05022%
$201,050 - $383,90024%
$383,900 - $487,45032%
$487,450 - $731,20035%
$731,200+37%