Guides

Step-by-step guides and practical tax tips. Every guide is linked to the free calculators on this site.

💵 How much tax is withheld from my paycheck?

Paycheck withholding combines federal income tax (IRS Pub. 15-T percent method), Social Security 6.2% and Medicare 1.45%. Example: $1,500 nets $1,225.06.

🧮 2026 federal income tax brackets

2026 federal income tax brackets for single filers: 10% up to $12,400, 12% to $50,400, 22% to $105,700, 24% to $201,775, 32% to $256,225 and 37% above $640,600.

🛒 Sales tax rates by state (2026)

Combined 2026 sales tax rates by state (Tax Foundation): Tennessee 9.61%, Washington 9.57%, California 9.03% and Florida 6.98% — state plus average local.

🧾 How to calculate self-employment tax

Self-employment tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings: an effective rate of 14.13%. Example: $50,000 of net profit means $7,064.77 of SE tax in 2026.

📈 Capital gains tax rates 2026

2026 long-term capital gains tax rates: 0% up to $49,450, 15% to $545,500 and 20% above for single filers (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32). Plus the 3.8% NIIT.