Taxable Income
Taxable income is the portion of your income the IRS actually taxes — your adjusted gross income minus the standard or itemized deduction. It's the number that determines which tax brackets apply, not your gross salary, which is why your effective rate is lower than it looks.
Because the U.S. uses progressive brackets, only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Reducing taxable income through deductions and pre-tax contributions is the main lever most households have over their tax bill.
Put it to work
Federal Income Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax: total tax, effective and marginal rates, and a bracket-by-bracket breakdown using official IRS figures.
Take-Home Pay Calculator
See your actual paycheck after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, 401(k), health premiums, and state tax — per paycheck and per year (2026 figures).