2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets: Complete Guide
The US federal income tax system uses a progressive (marginal) structure. You do not pay your top rate on all income — you pay each bracket's rate only on the income that falls within that bracket. Understanding how brackets work can help you make smarter decisions about Roth conversions, capital gains timing, and deduction strategies.
For 2026, the IRS adjusted all bracket thresholds by approximately 2.8% for inflation compared to 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Seven federal tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%
- Marginal rate applies only to income in that bracket — your effective rate is always lower
- 2026 standard deduction: $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married filing jointly)
- Long-term capital gains are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% — often lower than ordinary rates
- Tax planning around bracket thresholds (Roth conversions, deduction timing) can meaningfully reduce lifetime tax burden
2026 Federal Tax Brackets — Single Filers
The seven federal income tax rates remain 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The thresholds below apply after subtracting the standard deduction ($15,000 for single filers in 2026).
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income (Single) | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | 10% of amount |
| 12% | $11,926 – $48,475 | $1,192.50 + 12% over $11,925 |
| 22% | $48,476 – $103,350 | $5,577 + 22% over $48,475 |
| 24% | $103,351 – $197,300 | $17,651 + 24% over $103,350 |
| 32% | $197,301 – $250,525 | $40,199 + 32% over $197,300 |
| 35% | $250,526 – $626,350 | $57,231 + 35% over $250,525 |
| 37% | $626,351+ | $188,769 + 37% over $626,350 |
2026 Federal Tax Brackets — Married Filing Jointly
Married couples filing jointly have thresholds exactly double the single brackets for most rates (with the exception of the 35% and 37% brackets).
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income (MFJ) | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $23,850 | 10% of amount |
| 12% | $23,851 – $96,950 | $2,385 + 12% over $23,850 |
| 22% | $96,951 – $206,700 | $11,157 + 22% over $96,950 |
| 24% | $206,701 – $394,600 | $35,302 + 24% over $206,700 |
| 32% | $394,601 – $501,050 | $80,398 + 32% over $394,600 |
| 35% | $501,051 – $751,600 | $114,462 + 35% over $501,050 |
| 37% | $751,601+ | $202,055 + 37% over $751,600 |
Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate: Key Difference
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — the highest bracket you fall into. Your effective tax rate is total tax paid ÷ total gross income, which is always lower than your marginal rate.
Example: A single filer with $75,000 taxable income (after deductions) does NOT pay 22% on all $75,000. They pay: 10% on the first $11,925 ($1,192.50), 12% on $11,925–$48,475 ($4,386), 22% on $48,475–$75,000 ($5,835). Total tax: $11,413.50. Effective rate: $11,413.50 ÷ $75,000 = 15.2%, not 22%.
2026 Standard Deduction Amounts
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income before brackets are applied. For 2026: Single filers: $15,000 | Married Filing Jointly: $30,000 | Head of Household: $22,500 | Additional for age 65+: $1,600 per person (single) or $1,300 per person (MFJ).
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Rates 2026
Long-term capital gains (assets held >1 year) are taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, separate from ordinary income brackets. For 2026: 0% rate applies to single filers with taxable income up to $47,025 and MFJ up to $94,050. The 15% rate applies up to $518,900 (single) and $583,750 (MFJ). Above those thresholds, the rate is 20%. High earners may also owe the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT).