Why Afterax labels 2026 as planning
Revenue Procedure 2025-32 supplies the inflation-adjusted federal amounts used in this guide. They are suitable for planning withholding, compensation, and contributions.
A planning calculation is not the same as a completed return. Later IRS forms, instructions, transitional rules, and facts that occur during the year can affect the final liability.
2026 bracket boundaries
Single filer ceilings are $12,400, $50,400, $105,700, $201,775, $256,225, and $640,600. Joint ceilings are $24,800, $100,800, $211,400, $403,550, $512,450, and $768,700.
The top ordinary rate remains 37%. Preferential 0%, 15%, and 20% capital gain thresholds also move, and those thresholds must be applied by stacking gains above ordinary taxable income.
Payroll changes that sit beside the brackets
Employee Social Security remains 6.2% up to the annual wage base and Medicare remains 1.45% without a general wage cap. The 2026 Social Security wage base is $184,500.
Additional Medicare Tax and NIIT filing thresholds are not automatically inflation adjusted. High earners should not assume that every threshold moved with the ordinary brackets.
Worked planning example: $150,000 single filer
Planning limitations
Related calculators
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Frequently asked questions
Did federal tax rates increase in 2026?
The seven ordinary percentages remain 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. Inflation adjustment changes the boundaries.
Why does the calculator still warn about 2026?
Published annual amounts support planning, but later forms, guidance, and personal eligibility still determine the final return.
Primary sources
Afterax uses official IRS material where available and names other authorities when a cross-state comparison is required.
Rules can change, and eligibility depends on facts not captured by a general guide. Confirm the current form instructions before filing or making a material transaction.
Keep exploring
Browse all twelve US tax guides or move from explanation to a transparent federal estimate.