Tax Year Comparison
Compare your tax bill across two different tax years.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Item | 2025 | 2026 | Difference |
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Official Tax Rate Sources
This calculator provides estimates only. It uses the standard deduction and does not account for itemized deductions, tax credits, local/city taxes, or other adjustments. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation. U.S. federal and state taxes only.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Tax Year Comparison
This calculator compares your tax liability for the same income across two different tax years:
- Select two years. Compare 2025 vs 2026 to see how inflation adjustments and rate changes affect your taxes.
- Enter your income details. Use the same income for both years to isolate the effect of tax law changes.
- Review the comparison. See how standard deductions, brackets, FICA, and state taxes differ between years.
About Year-Over-Year Tax Changes
Tax brackets and standard deductions are adjusted for inflation each year. The IRS publishes new thresholds in the fall for the following year. Even with the same income, your tax may change because bracket thresholds shift. For 2026, brackets were adjusted upward by approximately 2.7%, with an additional 4% adjustment on the bottom two brackets (10% and 12%) under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
State tax changes vary. Some states also index brackets for inflation, while others keep fixed thresholds. Several states reduced their rates from 2025 to 2026, including Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my taxes change even if my income stays the same?
The IRS adjusts tax bracket thresholds and the standard deduction for inflation each year. When these thresholds increase, less of your income falls into higher brackets, slightly lowering your tax. This prevents "bracket creep" where inflation pushes you into higher brackets without real income gains.
What changed from 2025 to 2026?
For 2026, the standard deduction increased to $16,100 (single) and $32,200 (married). Bracket thresholds rose by approximately 2.7%. The Social Security wage base increased from $176,100 to $184,500. Several states also cut their income tax rates. The TCJA provisions were made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July 2025.
Did the TCJA expire?
No. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act individual provisions were set to expire at the end of 2025, but Congress extended them permanently through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025. The lower rates (10%-37%), higher standard deduction, and other individual provisions remain in effect.