Understanding US Federal Income Tax Brackets
The United States uses a progressive income tax system, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. You are not taxed at your highest rate on all income — only on the income within each bracket.
2024 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filers)
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,600 | 10% |
| $11,601 – $47,150 | 12% |
| $47,151 – $100,525 | 22% |
| $100,526 – $191,950 | 24% |
| $191,951 – $243,725 | 32% |
| $243,726 – $609,350 | 35% |
| Over $609,350 | 37% |
How to Calculate Your Tax
Start with gross income, subtract the standard deduction (or itemized deductions if higher), and that gives you your taxable income. Apply the progressive rates to each bracket portion to calculate your tax owed.
Your effective tax rate — total tax divided by gross income — is usually much lower than your marginal rate, because only the top portion of income is taxed at the highest rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar of income. The effective rate is the average rate across all your income — it is always lower than the marginal rate in a progressive tax system.
No, this calculator only covers federal income tax. State income tax rates vary widely — from 0% (in states like Texas and Florida) to over 13% (in California).
* For illustration only. Consult a tax professional or the IRS for accurate tax calculation.