Tax 2018 Calculator Usa
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Use this 2018 US federal income tax calculator to estimate your tax liability. The calculator follows the 2018 tax brackets and rates, including the standard deduction and tax credits. This tool provides an estimate only and should not be used as a substitute for professional tax advice.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your total taxable income for 2018 and select your filing status. The calculator will compute your federal income tax based on the 2018 tax brackets. You can also enter any tax credits or deductions to get a more accurate estimate.
Note: This calculator uses the 2018 tax brackets and rates. For current year calculations, use our updated tax calculator.
Input Fields
- Taxable Income: Your total income minus any adjustments for deductions or exemptions.
- Filing Status: Select your filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er).
- Tax Credits: Any tax credits you qualify for (e.g., Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit).
- Deductions: Any itemized deductions you have (e.g., mortgage interest, charitable contributions).
Output
The calculator will display:
- Your estimated federal income tax
- Your effective tax rate
- A breakdown of how much tax is paid at each bracket
- A chart showing the tax liability at different income levels
2018 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+ |
The tax is calculated by applying each tax rate to the income within that bracket. For example, if your income is $50,000 as a single filer:
- $9,525 × 10% = $952.50
- ($50,000 - $9,525) × 12% = $4,696.80
- Total tax = $952.50 + $4,696.80 = $5,649.30
Standard Deduction
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income. For 2018, the standard deductions are:
- Single: $6,350
- Married Filing Jointly: $12,700
- Married Filing Separately: $6,350
- Head of Household: $9,350
If you choose to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction, you may qualify for additional credits and deductions.
How Taxes Are Calculated
The federal income tax is calculated using progressive tax brackets. Here's the step-by-step process:
- Calculate your adjusted gross income (AGI) by subtracting any adjustments from your total income.
- Subtract the standard deduction (or itemized deductions) to get your taxable income.
- Apply the tax rates to each bracket of your taxable income.
- Subtract any tax credits to arrive at your final tax liability.
Formula for tax calculation:
Tax = (Income × Rate) - Credits - Deductions
Example Calculation
Let's calculate the tax for a single filer with $50,000 in taxable income:
- First $9,525 at 10%: $952.50
- Next $40,475 at 12%: $4,856.90
- Total tax: $952.50 + $4,856.90 = $5,809.40
- Effective tax rate: ($5,809.40 / $50,000) × 100 = 11.62%
This example assumes no tax credits or deductions. Your actual tax may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this calculator official?
- No, this calculator provides an estimate based on the 2018 tax brackets. For official tax information, consult the IRS website or a tax professional.
- What's the difference between taxable income and gross income?
- Taxable income is your gross income minus adjustments for deductions, exemptions, and other credits. It's the amount used to calculate your tax liability.
- How do I know if I should itemize or take the standard deduction?
- Itemizing may be beneficial if your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. Use our itemized deduction calculator to compare the two.
- Are state taxes included in this calculation?
- No, this calculator only calculates federal income tax. State taxes may have different brackets and rates.
- When should I file my 2018 tax return?
- The 2018 tax filing deadline was April 17, 2019. If you didn't file by then, you may owe penalties and interest.