Federal Income Tax Calculator (Single)
This authoritative, mobile‑first tool estimates U.S. federal income tax for single filers. Enter your income, optional pre‑tax adjustments, choose standard or itemized deductions, and instantly view your taxable income, federal tax, marginal and effective rates, and an estimated refund or amount due.
Calculator
Results
Data Source and Methodology
Primary authoritative sources:
- IRS — Revenue Procedure 2024-38 (Inflation Adjustments for 2025), Internal Revenue Bulletin. Direct link: irs.gov
- IRS — Revenue Procedure 2023-34 (Inflation Adjustments for 2024), Internal Revenue Bulletin. Direct link: IRB 2023-48
- IRS Publication 505 — Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax: Official publication page
Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.
The Formula Explained
Where r is the bracket rate, and L/U are the lower/upper bounds for each IRS bracket for the selected year.
Glossary of Variables
- Gross income: Total income before deductions and credits.
- Pre-tax adjustments: Above-the-line deductions that reduce AGI (e.g., traditional 401(k), HSA).
- AGI: Adjusted Gross Income = Gross income − Pre-tax adjustments.
- Standard deduction: IRS-set amount that reduces taxable income; varies by year and filing status.
- Itemized deductions: Sum of deductible expenses (e.g., mortgage interest, SALT subject to limits).
- Taxable income: Income subject to federal income tax after deductions.
- Nonrefundable credits: Credits that reduce tax but cannot take it below zero.
- Marginal rate: The rate applied to your last dollar of taxable income.
- Effective rate: Final federal tax divided by gross income.
- Withholding: Federal tax already withheld from paychecks; used to estimate refund or amount due.
How It Works: A Step‑by‑Step Example
Inputs (Single, 2025): Gross income = $85,000; Pre‑tax adjustments = $5,000; Deduction = Standard (Single 2025: $15,300); Credits = $0; Withholding = $8,000.
- AGI = $85,000 − $5,000 = $80,000.
- Taxable income = $80,000 − $15,300 = $64,700.
- Apply 2025 brackets (Single): 10% up to $11,900; 12% $11,900–$48,550; 22% $48,550–$103,350; higher brackets not reached.
- Tax = 10% × 11,900 ($1,190) + 12% × 36,650 ($4,398) + 22% × 16,150 ($3,553) = $9,141.
- Final federal income tax = $9,141 − $0 = $9,141. Effective rate ≈ $9,141 / $85,000 = 10.76%. Marginal rate = 22%.
- Withholding comparison: $8,000 withheld → amount due ≈ $1,141.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does this calculator include FICA (Social Security and Medicare)?
No. It estimates federal income tax only. Payroll taxes (FICA), state/local taxes, AMT, NIIT, and complex phase‑outs are outside scope.
Which tax years are supported?
2024 and 2025 for Single filers, using IRS inflation‑adjusted brackets and the standard deduction for each year.
Can I enter itemized deductions?
Yes. Choose Itemized and provide your total. The calculator uses that amount as your deduction instead of the standard deduction.
What credits are supported?
A total for nonrefundable credits. Specific credits with eligibility rules (e.g., AOTC, Saver’s Credit) are not calculated individually.
What’s the difference between effective and marginal rate?
Marginal is the rate on your last dollar of taxable income; effective is your total federal tax divided by gross income.
Is this a substitute for professional advice?
No. It’s an educational estimate. Consult a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.