Tax Planning: Updated Rates, Deductions, and What They Mean

For Tax Year 2026

The IRS has released updated federal tax brackets and standard deduction amounts for 2026, reflecting annual inflation adjustments and recent changes under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. These updates will apply to tax returns filed in 2027 and may impact how much individuals and families owe, or how much they save, depending on their income and filing status.


2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets
Marginal Rate Single Head of Household Married Filing Jointly Married Filing Separately
10% $1 to $12,400 $1 to $17,700 $1 to $24,800 $1 to $12,400
12% $12,401 to $50,400 $17,701 to $67,450 $24,801 to $100,800 $12,401 to $50,400
22% $50,401 to $105,700 $67,451 to $105,700 $100,801 to $211,400 $50,401 to $105,700
24% $105,701 to $201,775 $105,701 to $201,750 $211,401 to $403,550 $105,701 to $201,775
32% $201,776 to $256,225 $201,751 to $256,200 $403,551 to $512,450 $201,776 to $256,225
35% $256,226 to $640,600 $256,201 to $640,600 $512,451 to $768,700 $256,226 to $384,350
37% $640,601 or more $640,601 or more $768,701 or more $384,351 or more


Single Head of Household Married Filing Jointly Married Filing Separately
Standard Deduction $16,100 $24,150 $32,200 $16,100
Additional Deduction (65+ years old) $2,050 $2,050 $1,650 per spouse $1,650
Senior Deduction (65+ years old) Up to $6,000 Up to $6,000 Up to $6,000 per spouse Up to $6,000
Total Potential Deduction (65+ years old) $24,150 $32,200 $47,500 $23,750

While these updated brackets and deduction amounts don’t change how the tax system works, they do shift the thresholds that determine how much income is taxed at each rate. Reviewing the 2026 figures now can help taxpayers better estimate their future tax liability and identify potential planning opportunities, especially as inflation adjustments and recent legislative changes continue to shape the tax landscape.

The above article is based upon tax rules in place as of 2026. These rules may change in the future. The above should not be construed as tax advice, and investors should consult their tax professional.

Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2026-including-amendments-from-the-one-big-beautiful-bill


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