2018 Federal Tax Brackets Calculator

Multiple Calculator release 2.0.7. Category: Finance. Check the displayed formula, units, assumptions, and limitations before use. Methodology · Report an error · Disclaimer

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Understand how the 2018 federal income tax brackets work in the United States. This calculator helps you determine your tax bracket based on your income and filing status.

How 2018 Federal Tax Brackets Work

The 2018 federal income tax system in the US uses progressive tax brackets, meaning higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. The tax brackets for 2018 were:

2018 Federal Income Tax Brackets

Single filers:

10% on income up to $9,525
12% on income between $9,526 and $38,700
22% on income between $38,701 and $82,500
24% on income between $82,501 and $157,500
32% on income between $157,501 and $200,000
35% on income over $200,000

Married filing jointly:

10% on income up to $19,050
12% on income between $19,051 and $77,400
22% on income between $77,401 and $165,000
24% on income between $165,001 and $315,000
32% on income between $315,001 and $400,000
35% on income over $400,000

The tax brackets apply to your taxable income after deductions and exemptions. The standard deduction for 2018 was $6,350 for single filers and $12,700 for married filing jointly.

Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rate

Your marginal tax rate is the rate that applies to your last dollar of income. Your effective tax rate is the average rate across all your income. For example, someone earning $50,000 as a single filer would have:

Marginal tax rate: 22%
Effective tax rate: Approximately 15%

How to Use This Calculator

To use this calculator:

Enter your total taxable income for 2018
Select your filing status (Single or Married Filing Jointly)
Click "Calculate" to see your tax bracket and estimated tax

Note

This calculator provides an estimate based on the 2018 tax brackets. Actual tax liability may vary based on deductions, credits, and other factors not included in this calculation.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Single Filer with $50,000 Income

For a single filer with $50,000 taxable income:

$9,525 at 10% = $952.50
$29,175 at 12% = $3,501.00
$6,200 at 22% = $1,364.00
Total estimated tax: $952.50 + $3,501.00 + $1,364.00 = $5,817.50

Example 2: Married Filing Jointly with $100,000 Income

For a married couple filing jointly with $100,000 taxable income:

$19,050 at 10% = $1,905.00
$58,350 at 12% = $7,002.00
$22,600 at 22% = $4,972.00
Total estimated tax: $1,905.00 + $7,002.00 + $4,972.00 = $13,879.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What are federal tax brackets?

Federal tax brackets are income ranges that determine the tax rate you pay. The higher your income, the higher your tax rate within each bracket.

How do I calculate my taxable income?

Subtract your deductions and exemptions from your total income to get your taxable income. The standard deduction for 2018 was $6,350 for single filers and $12,700 for married filing jointly.

What's the difference between marginal and effective tax rates?

The marginal tax rate is the rate that applies to your last dollar of income. The effective tax rate is the average rate across all your income.

Are these brackets still valid for 2019?

No, the tax brackets changed for 2019. This calculator is specifically for 2018 tax brackets.