AGI
Wages + business + investment and other income, minus above-the-line deductions such as IRA contributions and student loan interest.
Federal estimate
Income Tax Calculator
Estimate U.S. federal income tax, FICA payroll taxes, standard deduction, and whether you may owe or receive a refund.
Filing Profile
Based on 2025 federal tax brackets and standard deduction amounts (educational estimate).
Filing Status
Tax Year
Young Dependents (age 0–16)
Other Dependents
Income
Wages, Tips, Other Compensation
$
Business / Self-Employment Income
$
Other Taxable Income
$
Interest & Ordinary Dividends
$
Long-term Capital Gains
$
Deductions & Withholding
IRA / Pre-tax Contributions
$
Student Loan Interest
$
Itemized Deductions (optional)
$
State + Local Tax Rate
%
Federal Income Tax Withheld
$
Estimated Tax Paid
$
How This Tax Estimate Works
Adjusted gross income minus the greater of the standard or itemized deduction yields taxable income. Progressive federal brackets, payroll taxes, and credits are then applied — the same high-level flow used on a Form 1040.
Deduction
We compare the standard deduction for your filing status with any itemized amount you enter and use the larger reduction.
Brackets
Ordinary income is taxed with IRS progressive brackets. Long-term capital gains use preferential 0% / 15% / 20% rates stacked on top of ordinary income.
Credits & FICA
Child Tax Credit and Other Dependent Credit reduce tax owed. FICA (and self-employment tax) are shown separately from income tax.
Income Tax Calculator Features
Get a fast federal planning snapshot without installing tax software.
Refund or Amount Owed
Compare estimated federal tax with withholding and estimated payments to see a refund or balance due.
Filing Status & Year
Switch among Single, MFJ, MFS, and Head of Household for 2024 or 2025 bracket sets.
Self-Employment Support
Business income includes an SE tax estimate and the deductible employer-equivalent half.
Effective & Marginal Rates
See how much of AGI goes to federal income tax and which ordinary bracket you are in.
Understanding Key Tax Concepts
A few definitions help you interpret the results and plan withholding for next year.
Marginal vs. effective rate
Your marginal rate is the tax on the next dollar of ordinary income. Your effective rate is total federal income tax divided by AGI — usually much lower because lower brackets and deductions apply first.
Standard vs. itemized
Most filers take the standard deduction. Itemizing helps when mortgage interest, state taxes (subject to limits), and charity exceed the standard amount for your status.
Credits vs. deductions
Deductions reduce taxable income. Credits reduce tax dollar-for-dollar. Child-related credits can dramatically change a refund even when taxable income looks high.
Withholding checkups
If you repeatedly receive a huge refund or owe a large balance, adjust Form W-4 or quarterly estimates. This calculator is a quick mid-year check before filing season.
Why Use Our Income Tax Calculator?
- Built around current federal brackets and standard deduction amounts
- Includes wages, self-employment, investments, credits, and FICA in one view
- Instant “what if” planning for dependents, IRA contributions, and withholding
- Free educational tool — no account or tax-file upload required
Frequently Asked Questions
How is taxable income calculated?
Start with gross income, subtract adjustments to reach AGI, then subtract the larger of your standard or itemized deduction. The result is taxable income, which is run through the tax brackets.
Does this include state income tax?
You can enter an optional state + local rate for a rough estimate. State rules, credits, and brackets vary widely, so treat that line as illustrative only.
What is the difference between federal income tax and FICA?
Federal income tax is based on taxable income and filing status. FICA covers Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes on wages (and SE tax on self-employment). Both affect take-home pay but appear in different places on a return.
How do dependents affect my refund?
Qualifying children may generate a Child Tax Credit; other dependents may generate a smaller credit. Credits reduce tax after brackets are applied and can turn a balance due into a refund.
Are long-term capital gains taxed like wages?
Usually no. Preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% apply to most long-term gains depending on taxable income. This calculator stacks those rates on top of ordinary income for a simplified estimate.
Can I use this instead of tax software?
No. It is an educational planner for scenarios and withholding checks. File with IRS-accepted software or a tax professional, especially if you have AMT, NIIT, rental losses, or complex credits.
Related Calculators
Pair tax planning with loan and amortization tools when budgeting a home or car purchase.
Disclaimer
Educational estimate only — not a substitute for tax software or a CPA. State rules, AMT, NIIT, phaseouts, and legislation changes may alter your actual result. Confirm figures before filing or making financial decisions.