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Federal Income Tax Calculator
2024 federal brackets, worked out step by step.
How the 2024 federal brackets actually work
The US uses a marginal (progressive) system: each dollar you earn is taxed at the rate for the bracket it falls into, not your whole income at one flat rate. For 2024, single filers pay 10% on the first $11,600 of taxable income, 12% on the next slice up to $47,150, 22% up to $100,525, and so on up to 37% above $609,350 (thresholds are roughly double for married filing jointly). Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar earned; your effective rate is total tax divided by total income — always lower than your marginal rate.
Standard deduction vs. itemizing
This calculator uses the 2024 standard deduction ($14,600 single, $29,200 married filing jointly, $21,900 head of household) unless you enter your own override — useful if you itemize deductions instead. It does not include FICA (Social Security/Medicare), state income tax, or credits like the Child Tax Credit, all of which change your real take-home pay.
Not tax advice. Figures use the 2024 federal tax year and are estimates for general education only — every situation is different. Confirm your numbers with a CPA or tax professional, and check the current year's IRS figures, before filing or making financial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is this my actual tax bill?
No — this shows federal income tax only, using 2024 brackets and the standard deduction. It doesn't include state/local tax, FICA, or credits, all of which affect what you actually owe or take home. Treat it as an estimate, not a substitute for tax software or a CPA.
Why is my effective rate so much lower than my bracket?
Because only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate — the rest is taxed at the lower rates below it. Your marginal (top) bracket rate almost never equals your effective (average) rate.
Do these numbers change every year?
Yes. The IRS adjusts bracket thresholds and the standard deduction annually for inflation, and Congress can change the rates themselves. Always confirm you're using the correct tax year's numbers before filing.
What if I itemize instead of taking the standard deduction?
Enter your itemized deduction total in the 'standard deduction override' field to see the tax impact — the calculator will use whichever number you enter in place of the default.