Income Tax Calculator 2018 Free Tax Usa
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Use this free online calculator to estimate your 2018 US federal income tax liability. Simply enter your taxable income and select your filing status to get an instant estimate of your tax owed. This tool uses the 2018 tax brackets and rates to provide an accurate calculation.
How to Use This Calculator
Using our income tax calculator is simple:
- Enter your total taxable income for 2018 in the first field
- Select your filing status from the dropdown menu
- Click the "Calculate" button
- Review your estimated tax liability
The calculator will show you your estimated federal income tax based on the 2018 tax brackets. Remember that this is an estimate and your actual tax liability may differ based on your specific situation and any deductions or credits you qualify for.
2018 US Federal Tax Brackets
The 2018 federal income tax rates and brackets are as follows:
| Tax Rate | Single Filers | 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 apply to taxable income after deductions but before any credits. The standard deduction amounts for 2018 were:
- Single filers: $6,350
- Married filing jointly: $12,700
- Married filing separately: $6,350
- Head of household: $9,350
Standard Deduction
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income by a fixed amount. For 2018, the standard deductions were:
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $6,350 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $12,700 |
| Married Filing Separately | $6,350 |
| Head of Household | $9,350 |
To calculate your taxable income, subtract the standard deduction from your total income. This reduced amount is then used to determine your tax bracket.
How the Calculator Works
The income tax calculator uses the following formula to estimate your federal income tax:
Tax Calculation Formula
Taxable Income = Total Income - Standard Deduction
Tax Owed = Sum of (Taxable Income in each bracket × Bracket Rate)
The calculator applies the tax rates progressively to each portion of your taxable income that falls into different brackets. For example, if your taxable income is $50,000 and you're single, the calculation would be:
- $9,525 × 10% = $952.50
- ($38,700 - $9,525) × 12% = $3,300.60
- ($50,000 - $38,700) × 22% = $2,738.00
- Total Tax = $952.50 + $3,300.60 + $2,738.00 = $6,991.10
This progressive taxation means higher income earners pay more in taxes overall, even if their marginal tax rate is lower than lower income earners.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Single Filer with $50,000 Income
Taxable Income = $50,000 - $6,350 = $43,650
Tax Calculation:
- $9,525 × 10% = $952.50
- ($38,700 - $9,525) × 12% = $3,300.60
- ($43,650 - $38,700) × 22% = $1,254.20
- Total Tax = $952.50 + $3,300.60 + $1,254.20 = $5,507.30
Example 2: Married Filing Jointly with $100,000 Income
Taxable Income = $100,000 - $12,700 = $87,300
Tax Calculation:
- $19,050 × 10% = $1,905.00
- ($77,400 - $19,050) × 12% = $6,612.00
- ($87,300 - $77,400) × 24% = $2,414.40
- Total Tax = $1,905.00 + $6,612.00 + $2,414.40 = $10,931.40
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this calculator accurate for my actual tax return?
- This calculator provides an estimate based on the 2018 tax brackets. Your actual tax liability may differ based on your specific deductions, credits, and other factors. Always consult with a tax professional for your final tax return.
- Do I need to enter my gross income or net income?
- You should enter your total taxable income, which is typically your gross income minus any deductions you qualify for. The calculator uses the standard deduction amounts for 2018.
- Does this calculator include state taxes?
- No, this calculator only calculates federal income tax. State taxes are calculated separately and may have different brackets and rates.
- Can I use this calculator for estimated tax payments?
- This calculator provides an estimate of your tax liability, but it's not designed for calculating estimated tax payments. For estimated tax payments, you should use IRS Form 1040-ES or consult with a tax professional.
- Where can I find the official 2018 tax brackets?
- The official 2018 tax brackets can be found in IRS Publication 17, "Your Federal Income Tax." You can download this publication from the IRS website.