Tax Calculators
Estimate your federal and state income taxes, calculate sales tax, and determine capital gains liability.
Calculations are rooted in standard financial formulas and are provided as educational estimates only. They do not constitute professional financial advice. Results may vary based on actual interest rates and fees. You should verify all numbers with a certified financial professional prior to making significant financial commitments. Read our editorial commitment →
Income Tax Calculator
Estimate federal income tax and effective tax rate based on income and filing status.
Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax and the total purchase price based on a sales tax rate.
Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Estimate capital gains and potential tax owed when selling an investment at a profit.
Effective Tax Rate Calculator
Calculate your effective tax rate based on total taxes paid and total income.
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate self-employment tax based on net earnings and understand your Social Security and Medicare taxes.
After-Tax Income Calculator: Real Earnings
Estimate your annual after-tax income and effective tax rate based on your location and filing status.
Estate Tax Calculator
Estimate potential federal estate tax liability based on the total value of an estate and current exemption limits.
Gift Tax Calculator
Calculate potential gift tax implications for large gifts and understand the annual exclusion limits.
Inheritance Tax Calculator
Estimate potential inheritance tax based on the state and your relationship to the deceased.
Tax Bracket Calculator
Find your marginal tax bracket and estimate tax owed by bracket based on taxable income and filing status.
After-Tax Income Calculator: Real Earnings
Estimate your annual after-tax income and effective tax rate based on your location and filing status.
Taxes are one of life's certainties, but they don't have to be a mystery. Whether you are estimating your annual tax bill, calculating the final price of a purchase, or planning an investment sale, our free tax calculators help you navigate the complexities of the tax code.
Understanding the US Tax System
The United States uses a progressive tax system for federal income tax. This means that higher earners pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes, but only on the money that falls into higher "brackets."
Example: How Brackets Work
Imagine a simplified system where income up to $10,000 is taxed at 10%, and income over $10,000 is taxed at 20%.
If you earn $15,000:
- You pay 10% on the first $10,000 = $1,000
- You pay 20% on the remaining $5,000 = $1,000
- Total Tax = $2,000 (Effective rate of 13.3%, not 20%)
Types of Taxes
Income Tax
Levied by the federal government and most states on your earnings, including wages, interest, and dividends.
FICA Tax
Payroll taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare. These are flat rates shared by employees and employers.
Capital Gains Tax
Tax on the profit from selling an asset. Long-term gains (held >1 year) are taxed at preferential lower rates.
Sales Tax
Consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and services.
Tax Planning Strategies
- Contribute to Retirement Accounts: Money put into a Traditional 401(k) or IRA is tax-deductible, lowering your taxable income for the year.
- Use an HSA: Health Savings Account contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free for medical expenses.
- Hold Investments Longer: Holding assets for at least a year qualifies you for long-term capital gains rates, which are significantly lower than ordinary income rates.
- Harvest Losses: You can sell losing investments to offset gains from winning investments, reducing your overall tax liability (Tax-Loss Harvesting).
Use our calculators to estimate your liability, but always consult with a qualified CPA or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.