- The IRS has unveiled higher federal tax brackets for 2026 to adjust for inflation.
- The standard deduction will increase to $32,200 for married couples filing together and $16,100 for single taxpayers.
- There are also changes to the long-term capital gains brackets, estate tax exemption, child tax credit eligibility and more.
- The IRS announcements come a day after the agency said it would furlough nearly half its workforce due to the ongoing government shutdown.
The IRS has announced new federal income tax brackets and standard deductions for 2026.
In its announcement Thursday, the agency raised the income thresholds for each bracket, which apply to tax year 2026 for returns filed in 2027.
The IRS also boosted figures for other provisions, including long-term capital gains brackets, estate and gift tax exemption and eligibility for the earned income tax credit, among others.
For 2026, the top rate of 37% applies to individuals with taxable income above $640,600 and married couples filing jointly earning $768,700 or more for 2026.
Federal income tax brackets show how much you owe on each part of your "taxable income," which you calculate by subtracting the greater of the standard or itemized deductions from your adjusted gross income.
The standard deduction will also increase in 2026, rising to $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, up from $31,500 in 2025. Starting in 2026, single filers can claim $16,100, a bump up from $15,750.
The IRS announcements come a day after the agency said it would furlough nearly half its workforce due to the ongoing government shutdown.
