Tax-Loss Harvesting: Cut Your Capital Gains Tax
Tax-loss harvesting is one of the most effective legal strategies available to investors for reducing their tax liability. The concept is simple: sell
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Federal Tax Guide 2026
Federal income tax brackets, standard deduction, capital gains rates, and filing strategies updated for 2026.
5 guides available
2026 Key Figures at a Glance
$16,100
Standard Deduction
Single Filers
$32,200
Standard Deduction
Married Filing Jointly
37%
Top Marginal Rate
Over $640,600 (single)
$2,200
Child Tax Credit
Per qualifying child
Tax Topics
Federal Tax Brackets
2026 has seven tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. Single filers: top rate above $640,600. Married filing jointly: top rate above $768,700. The US uses progressive taxation — you only pay higher rates on income above each threshold.
Read our federal tax brackets guide →Capital Gains Tax
Long-term capital gains (held >1 year) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%. Single filers pay 0% up to $49,450, 15% up to $545,500, and 20% above. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income. Tax-loss harvesting can offset gains.
Read our capital gains tax guide →Standard Deduction
The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 (single), $32,200 (married filing jointly), or $24,150 (head of household). Itemize only if your deductions exceed these amounts.
Read our standard deduction guide →Tax-Loss Harvesting
Sell losing investments to offset capital gains and reduce your tax bill. You can deduct up to $3,000 in net capital losses against ordinary income per year. Unused losses carry forward indefinitely. Watch the wash-sale rule — no repurchasing the same security within 30 days.
Read our tax-loss harvesting guide →Child Tax Credit
The 2026 child tax credit is $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable. The credit phases out for higher incomes. Dependents aged 17-18 or full-time students 19-24 may qualify for a $500 credit.
AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)
The AMT is a parallel tax system ensuring high-income taxpayers pay a minimum amount. 2026 exemption: $90,100 (single) / $140,200 (married). Exercising incentive stock options and large state/local tax deductions are common AMT triggers.
2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets
| Rate | Single Filer | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $24,800 – $100,800 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $100,800 – $211,400 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | $211,400 – $403,550 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 |
2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Rates
| Rate | Single Filer | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $49,450 | Up to $98,900 |
| 15% | $49,450 – $545,500 | $98,900 – $613,700 |
| 20% | Over $545,500 | Over $613,700 |
Short-term capital gains (assets held one year or less) are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. An additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) may apply for high earners.
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Standard Deduction 2026: Amounts and Filing Tips
The standard deduction is the single most impactful line item on most Americans' tax returns. For the 2026 tax year, the IRS has raised the standard d
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Capital Gains Tax Explained: Rates and Strategies
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Federal Tax Brackets 2026: Rates and Thresholds
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Tax Analysis & Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the federal tax brackets for 2026?+
For 2026, there are seven federal income tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. For single filers, the 10% bracket applies to taxable income up to $12,400, while the top 37% rate applies to income over $640,600. For married couples filing jointly, the 10% bracket covers income up to $24,800, and the 37% rate kicks in above $768,700.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?+
The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $24,150 for heads of household. Most taxpayers benefit from taking the standard deduction rather than itemizing.
What are the capital gains tax rates for 2026?+
Long-term capital gains (assets held over one year) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income. For 2026, single filers pay 0% on gains up to $49,450, 15% up to $545,500, and 20% above that. Married filing jointly: 0% up to $98,900, 15% up to $613,700, and 20% above. Short-term capital gains (assets held one year or less) are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rates?+
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — it determines which tax bracket you fall into. Your effective tax rate is the average rate you actually pay across all your income, calculated by dividing total tax owed by total taxable income. Because the US uses a progressive tax system, your effective rate is always lower than your marginal rate. For example, a single filer in the 22% bracket does not pay 22% on all income — only on the portion above the 12% bracket threshold.
When is the 2026 tax filing deadline?+
The deadline to file your 2026 federal tax return is April 15, 2027. You can request an automatic six-month extension using IRS Form 4868, which extends the filing deadline but not the payment deadline — estimated taxes are still due by the original date to avoid penalties and interest.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax brackets and figures are based on 2026 IRS guidelines and may be subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified tax professional or CPA before making tax-related decisions.