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US Federal Tax Estimator (2025–2026)
Read the GuideEstimate your federal income taxes, payroll taxes, and potential refund or amount owed.
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Comfortable
Total Federal Taxes
Your estimated combined federal income and payroll tax liability.
Next step
Adjust your inputs to see how different scenarios affect your estimated taxes.
Total Gross Income
$0.00
Est. AGI
$0.00
Taxable Income
$0.00
Deductions Applied
$15,000.00
Federal Income Tax
$0.00
Payroll Taxes (FICA)
$0.00
Effective Tax Rate
0.0%
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Glossary Terms
About This Federal Tax Estimator
- What it estimates: This calculator provides a rough estimate of your U.S. federal income tax and payroll taxes (FICA) based on standard tax brackets and standard deductions.
- Scope limitations: It covers federal taxes only. It does not include state taxes, local taxes, self-employment taxes, capital gains, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), or Qualified Business Income (QBI) deductions.
- Deductions & Credits: It allows simple entry of itemized deductions and non-refundable tax credits (credits cannot reduce income tax below zero in this model). It does not calculate complex phase-outs for credits.
- Payroll taxes: If you enter W-2 wages, it estimates Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base), Medicare (1.45%), and the Additional Medicare Tax (0.9% over thresholds based on filing status).
- Sources: Calculations use the official IRS tax brackets and standard deduction amounts for the selected year. 2026 values may use 2025 proxies until official IRS inflation adjustments are released.
- Not a precise return: Your actual tax return will likely differ due to specific credits, phase-outs, and other income types not modeled here.
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Common Scenarios
Before-tax vs after-tax implications
When deciding on financial moves, always calculate based on your after-tax take-home pay, not your gross salary. Your true disposable income is often 20-30% lower than your top-line earnings.
Factoring in debt obligations
Treat your minimum monthly debt payments (credit cards, student loans) as fixed expenses. They reduce your monthly surplus and limit your flexibility for other purchases or goals.
Common Questions
How accurate is this tax estimator estimate?
It provides a reliable baseline estimate. However, real-world variables like unexpected expenses, tax rate changes, and inflation can impact the exact outcome.
Does this account for irregular expenses?
No. This tool focuses on your standard monthly or annual figures. You should manually add a buffer for irregular or annual expenses.
What should I do if the numbers look tight?
If your results show high strain, consider lowering your purchase target, extending your timeline, or finding ways to boost your income or cut discretionary spending temporarily.
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Assumptions & Disclaimer
Estimates only. Not tax or financial advice. Tax rules vary and change. For complex situations (self-employment, capital gains, AMT, etc.) consult IRS guidance or a tax professional.