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Federal tax guides
Short, sourced explanations of how federal tax actually works, with worked examples using the official 2026 figures.
- 2026 Federal Tax Brackets and Rates for Every Filing StatusOfficial 2026 federal income tax brackets for single, joint, head of household and separate filers, plus the standard deduction and worked examples.Updated November 3, 2026
- 2027 Federal Tax Brackets: Release Date and What to ExpectThe IRS has not yet released 2027 tax brackets. See when they usually come out, how inflation indexing works, what is already official and the 2026 figures.Updated November 3, 2026
- Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate: What Each One Means in 2026Learn the difference between your marginal and effective federal tax rate, with 2026 brackets and worked examples showing why your average rate is lower.Updated November 3, 2026
- Standard vs Itemized Deduction: Which Saves More in 2026?Compare the 2026 standard deduction with itemizing. See what counts on Schedule A, a worked example with exact tax savings and deductions that apply either way.Updated November 3, 2026
- No Tax on Tips and Overtime: How the New 2026 Deductions WorkHow the new tips and overtime deductions work for 2025–2028: caps of $25,000 and $12,500, the $150,000 phase-out, the overtime premium rule and FICA limits.Updated November 3, 2026
- How Self-Employment Tax Works in 2026, With ExamplesSelf-employment tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings. See the 2026 wage base, step-by-step math, worked examples, the half-SE deduction and due dates.Updated November 3, 2026
- Long-Term vs. Short-Term Capital Gains Tax Rates for 2026Compare 2026 long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15%, 20%) with short-term rates, see every threshold, how gains stack on income, and when the 3.8% NIIT applies.Updated November 3, 2026
- Child Tax Credit 2026: Rules, Amounts and Phase-Out ExplainedThe 2026 Child Tax Credit is up to $2,200 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable. See who qualifies, how the phase-out works, and worked examples.Updated November 3, 2026
- How to Read Your Paycheck: FICA, Withholding and Take-Home Pay in 2026Learn what each line on your 2026 pay stub means: gross vs net pay, federal withholding and Form W-4, Social Security, Medicare, 401(k) and the YTD column.Updated November 3, 2026