Tax Guides & Articles
Written by the FiscTalk Editorial Team, reviewed by an external CPA, and dated. Every figure links to its source.
Federal Income Tax
2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets, Explained
The 2026 federal income tax brackets and standard deduction from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32, with real thresholds and a worked example.
Standard vs. Itemized Deduction in 2026
Should you take the 2026 standard deduction or itemize? 2026 figures, who benefits from each, and the SALT cap wrinkle.
The SALT Deduction Cap in 2026
SALT cap rises to $40,400 in 2026 with a high-income phase-down, then reverts to $10,000 in 2030. What itemizers need to know.
How to Set Your W-4 Withholding for 2026
A plain-language W-4 guide for 2026: use the new form, the IRS estimator, and Pub 15-T tables so you neither owe a surprise nor overpay.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) in 2026
2026 AMT exemption is $90,100 (single) and $140,200 (joint), with phase-out thresholds. How AMT works and who it catches.
How Much Tax Will I Owe in 2026? $75K–$300K
Worked 2026 federal tax examples for $75,000 to $300,000: federal income tax, FICA, effective and marginal rates, plus state tax notes. Every figure sourced.
The 2026 Senior Deduction: $6,000 for Age 65+
The OBBBA added a temporary senior deduction for 2025–2028: up to $6,000 (single) or $12,000 (joint) for taxpayers 65+. See who qualifies and how the phase-out works.
Complete Guide to 2026 U.S. Income Tax
Everything you need to know about 2026 U.S. income tax: federal brackets, standard deduction, capital gains, self-employment, QBI, estate & gift, SALT, AMT — all sourced and CPA-reviewed.
Child Tax Credit in 2026: $2,200 per Child
The 2026 Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 refundable as the ACTC. 2026 income limits, SSN rules, and how to claim it on Schedule 8812.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2026
The 2026 Earned Income Tax Credit is worth up to $8,231 for three or more children. 2026 maximums, income limits, and qualifying rules from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
Education Tax Credits for 2026: AOTC vs. the Lifetime Learning Credit
Compare the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit for 2026 — maximum amounts, refundability, the shared MAGI phase-out ($80k–$90k single / $160k–$180k joint), and qualified expenses.
2027 Federal Income Tax: What's Already Law and What's Still Pending
The 2027 tax year is mostly settled by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but the exact bracket thresholds and standard deduction won't be official until the IRS publishes them in November 2026. Here's the line between fact and projection.
Self-Employment
Self-Employment Tax and the QBI Deduction in 2026
Self-employment tax stays at 15.3% in 2026, while the 20% QBI deduction is now permanent with wider phase-out ranges. What owners need to know.
Social Security and Medicare Tax Base in 2026
The 2026 Social Security wage base is $184,500; Medicare has no cap. How FICA and self-employment tax work, and where Medicaid fits.
Estimated Tax Payments for 2026: Quarterly Deadlines and Safe Harbor
Who must pay quarterly estimated tax in 2026, the four due dates (Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15), the 100%/110% prior-year safe harbor, and how to avoid the underpayment penalty.
Capital Gains
Long-Term Capital Gains Rates for 2026
2026 long-term capital gains brackets (0%, 15%, 20%) and the 3.8% NIIT, with thresholds from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
The QSBS Exclusion in 2026
Qualified small business stock can shield up to $15 million of gain under OBBBA, with graduated 50/75/100% exclusions. Rules and traps.
Estate & Gift
Estate Tax Exemption in 2026: The $15 Million Era
The 2026 federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person under OBBBA, permanent and portability-friendly. What it means for planning.
Gift Tax Annual Exclusion in 2026
The 2026 gift tax annual exclusion is $19,000 per recipient. How it works, gift-splitting for couples, and how it differs from the $15M lifetime exemption.
12 States With an Estate or Inheritance Tax in 2026
The 2026 estate-tax map: 12 states plus DC tax estates far below the $15M federal exemption, and 5 states tax inheritances. Exemption thresholds, top rates, and the gap that catches families.
State Taxes
Multi-State Tax Residency and the Convenience Rule
How multi-state residency and the convenience-of-the-employer rule can tax remote workers in a state they never visit. Real state list inside.
States With No Income Tax in 2026
Eight states have no broad-based income tax in 2026; New Hampshire joined them in 2025. Washington adds a 7% capital gains tax.
Take-Home Pay 2026: What You Keep After Taxes
See how much of a 2026 salary you actually take home after federal income tax, FICA, and state tax — with state-by-state differences explained.