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Federal Tax Calculator 2018 Usa

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Calculate your 2018 federal income tax in the USA using this official IRS-based calculator. Simply enter your taxable income and select your filing status to determine your federal tax liability.

How to Use This Calculator

Using this federal tax calculator is simple:

  1. Enter your total taxable income for 2018 in the first field.
  2. Select your filing status from the dropdown menu.
  3. Click the "Calculate" button to see your federal tax liability.
  4. Review the detailed breakdown of your tax calculation.

The calculator uses the 2018 tax brackets and rates established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It does not account for state taxes, deductions, or credits beyond the standard deduction.

Formula Used

The federal tax is calculated using progressive tax brackets. The formula is:

Federal Tax = Sum of (Taxable Income × Tax Rate for each Bracket)

Where:

  • Taxable Income is your total income minus allowable deductions
  • Tax Rate is the percentage applied to each bracket of income

The calculator applies the tax rates to each bracket of income, starting from the lowest bracket and moving up to the highest bracket that applies to your income level.

Worked Example

Let's calculate the federal tax for a single filer with $50,000 in taxable income using the 2018 tax brackets:

  1. First $9,525 at 10% = $952.50
  2. Next $21,850 at 12% = $2,622.00
  3. Next $18,625 at 22% = $4,117.50
  4. Remaining $8,000 at 24% = $1,920.00

Total federal tax = $952.50 + $2,622.00 + $4,117.50 + $1,920.00 = $9,612.00

Note: This example uses the standard deduction for a single filer. If you have itemized deductions, your taxable income would be lower.

2018 Tax Brackets

The 2018 federal income tax brackets are as follows:

Tax Rate Single Married Filing Jointly Married Filing Separately Head of Household
10% $0 - $9,525 $0 - $19,050 $0 - $9,525 $0 - $13,600
12% $9,526 - $38,700 $19,051 - $77,400 $9,526 - $38,700 $13,601 - $51,800
22% $38,701 - $82,500 $77,401 - $165,000 $38,701 - $82,500 $51,801 - $82,500
24% $82,501 - $157,500 $165,001 - $315,000 $82,501 - $157,500 $82,501 - $157,500
32% $157,501 - $200,000 $315,001 - $400,000 $157,501 - $200,000 $157,501 - $200,000
35% $200,001 - $500,000 $400,001 - $600,000 $200,001 - $300,000 $200,001 - $500,000
37% $500,001+ $600,001+ $300,001+ $500,001+

These brackets are based on the 2018 IRS tax tables and may not reflect current tax laws. For the most accurate information, consult the IRS website or a tax professional.

Filing Status Options

The federal tax calculator offers four filing status options:

  • Single - For individuals who are unmarried or married but filing separately
  • Married Filing Jointly - For married couples filing a joint return
  • Married Filing Separately - For married couples filing separate returns
  • Head of Household - For individuals who qualify as the head of household

Selecting the correct filing status is crucial as it determines which tax brackets and rates apply to your income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard deduction for 2018?

The standard deduction for 2018 was $6,300 for single filers, $12,600 for married filing jointly, $6,300 for married filing separately, and $9,300 for heads of household.

Does this calculator include state taxes?

No, this calculator only calculates federal income tax. State taxes are not included in the calculation.

How do I know which filing status to use?

Your filing status is determined by your marital status and whether you are claiming dependents. Consult the IRS website or a tax professional for guidance.

Is this calculator up-to-date with 2018 tax laws?

Yes, this calculator uses the 2018 tax brackets and rates established by the IRS. However, tax laws may change, so it's always best to verify with official sources.