Income tax calculator 2026

Estimate your federal income tax for 2026, including the Child Tax Credit, and find out whether you are likely to get a refund or owe money when you file.

How federal income tax is worked out

Adjusted gross income (AGI): all your income minus pre-tax deductions such as traditional 401(k) and IRA contributions.
Taxable income: AGI minus the standard deduction, $16,100 for single filers or $32,200 for married couples filing jointly in 2026.
Tax: taxable income is taxed in brackets from 10% to 37%.
Credits: credits such as the Child Tax Credit come straight off your tax bill.

2026 Child Tax Credit

	2026
Credit per child under 17	$2,200
Refundable part (Additional Child Tax Credit)	Up to $1,700 a child, limited to 15% of earnings over $2,500
Phase-out starts	$200,000 AGI (single), $400,000 (married filing jointly)
Phase-out rate	$50 for each $1,000 over the limit

Examples

Single, $75,000 salary: taxable income $58,900, federal tax $7,670. If $9,000 was withheld, the refund would be about $1,330.
Married with two children, $90,000: tax of $6,440 before credits, minus a $4,400 Child Tax Credit, leaves $2,040.
Married with two children, $40,000: tax of $780 is wiped out by the credit, and up to $3,400 more can be paid to you as the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit.

Frequently asked questions

Why might I owe tax when I file?

Withholding is based on your W-4 and on each paycheck on its own. Side income with no withholding, two jobs, or a W-4 that claims too many credits can all mean too little is withheld during the year.

What is not included?

This estimate uses the standard deduction and the Child Tax Credit only. It does not include itemized deductions, the Earned Income Tax Credit, education credits, the new deductions for tips, overtime and seniors, self-employment tax, or capital gains rates. Our self-employment and capital gains calculators cover those.

When is the 2026 tax return due?

Returns for the 2026 tax year are normally due on April 15, 2027.

Estimate only, for guidance. State tax uses each state's standard deduction and exemptions but not local income taxes. Sources: IRS federal income tax rates and brackets, IRS Child Tax Credit.