2018 Tax Calculator Usa
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Use this 2018 tax calculator to estimate your federal income tax liability for the 2018 tax year. The calculator uses the official 2018 tax brackets and standard deductions to provide an accurate estimate of your tax obligation.
How to Use This Calculator
To use the 2018 tax calculator:
- Enter your total taxable income for 2018 in the "Taxable Income" field.
- Select your filing status from the dropdown menu (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, or Head of Household).
- Click the "Calculate" button to see your estimated federal income tax.
The calculator will display your estimated tax liability, the tax rate applied, and a breakdown of how the tax was calculated.
How the 2018 Tax Calculator Works
The 2018 tax calculator uses the progressive tax system established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The tax brackets for 2018 are as follows:
Tax Calculation Formula
Federal Income Tax = Sum of (Taxable Income × Tax Rate for each Bracket)
Where Taxable Income = Gross Income - Deductions
The calculator applies the tax brackets progressively, meaning each dollar of income is taxed at the appropriate rate for that portion of income.
2018 Federal Income Tax Brackets
The 2018 federal income tax brackets are as follows:
| Filing Status | 10% Bracket | 12% Bracket | 22% Bracket | 24% Bracket | 32% Bracket | 35% Bracket | 37% Bracket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $0 - $9,525 | $9,526 - $38,700 | $38,701 - $82,500 | $82,501 - $157,500 | $157,501 - $200,000 | $200,001 - $500,000 | $500,001+ |
| Married Filing Jointly | $0 - $19,050 | $19,051 - $77,400 | $77,401 - $165,000 | $165,001 - $315,000 | $315,001 - $400,000 | $400,001 - $600,000 | $600,001+ |
| Married Filing Separately | $0 - $9,525 | $9,526 - $38,700 | $38,701 - $82,500 | $82,501 - $157,500 | $157,501 - $200,000 | $200,001 - $300,000 | $300,001+ |
| Head of Household | $0 - $13,600 | $13,601 - $51,800 | $51,801 - $82,500 | $82,501 - $157,500 | $157,501 - $200,000 | $200,001 - $500,000 | $500,001+ |
Note
These brackets are for federal income tax only. State taxes may have different brackets and rates.
2018 Standard Deduction Amounts
The standard deduction amounts for 2018 are as follows:
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $12,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $24,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $12,000 |
| Head of Household | $18,000 |
If you itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction, your taxable income will be higher, and you may pay more in federal income tax.
Example Calculation
Let's calculate the federal income tax for a single filer with a taxable income of $50,000 in 2018.
- The first $9,525 is taxed at 10%: $9,525 × 0.10 = $952.50
- The next $29,175 ($38,700 - $9,525) is taxed at 12%: $29,175 × 0.12 = $3,501.00
- The remaining $8,300 ($50,000 - $38,700) is taxed at 22%: $8,300 × 0.22 = $1,826.00
Total federal income tax = $952.50 + $3,501.00 + $1,826.00 = $6,279.50
Example Result
For a single filer with $50,000 in taxable income, the estimated federal income tax for 2018 is $6,279.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between taxable income and gross income?
Gross income is all the income you earn before any deductions. Taxable income is your gross income minus any deductions you're allowed to claim.
How do I know if I should itemize or take the standard deduction?
You should itemize if your total itemized deductions (like mortgage interest, charitable donations, and medical expenses) exceed your standard deduction. Otherwise, taking the standard deduction is usually simpler.
Are there any changes to the 2018 tax brackets compared to previous years?
Yes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 significantly changed the tax brackets for 2018. The brackets are now progressive with higher rates for higher income levels.
Does this calculator include state taxes?
No, this calculator only calculates federal income tax. State taxes may have different brackets and rates, so you should also check your state's tax calculator.
When should I file my 2018 taxes?
The federal tax filing deadline for 2018 was April 17, 2019. If you owe taxes, you should file as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest.