TaxPrepGuru
2026 federal tax brackets, deductions & filing guides
IRS numbers for tax year 2026, plain-English filing help, and software comparisons — updated for the current season.
Federal tax changes
Stay current on brackets, deadlines, and law updates.
Tax year 2026
2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates
2026 long-term capital gains rates of 0%, 15%, and 20% by taxable income and filing status—plus how they differ from ordinary brackets and the 3.8% NIIT.
Tax year 2026
EITC 2026: Income Limits & Max Credits
2026 Earned Income Tax Credit maximums ($664–$8,231), phaseout income limits by filing status and children, and the $12,200 investment income cap. Confirm on IRS.gov.
Tax year 2026
Child Tax Credit 2026: $2,200, Phaseouts & ACTC
2026 Child Tax Credit up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, ACTC up to $1,700, phaseouts at $200,000 / $400,000, and Credit for Other Dependents. Confirm on IRS.gov.
Tax year 2026
2026 Federal Tax Brackets & Rates
See the IRS 2026 federal income tax brackets for single, married filing jointly, and head of household—plus how marginal rates work. Figures apply to returns filed in 2027.
From the blog
Policy and filing-season commentary.
Analysis
Side-Hustle Taxes: Quarterly Payments and the Underpayment Penalty
How side-hustle and 1099 income triggers quarterly estimated taxes, Form 1040-ES due dates, safe harbor rules, and the IRS underpayment penalty if you pay too little.
Analysis
Why Congress Won't End the Income Tax
Trump floated replacing income tax with tariffs. Budget math and tax-software lobbying help explain why Congress is unlikely to repeal Form 1040.
Popular guides
Plain-English help for common federal filing questions.
credits
Itemize vs Standard Deduction 2026
Should you itemize or take the 2026 standard deduction? Compare Schedule A to $16,100 / $32,200 / $24,150, plus the $40,400 SALT cap and phaseout rules.
basics
How to Become a Tax Preparer or EA
U.S. path to preparing taxes for others — PTIN, IRS Annual Filing Season Program, state rules, and the Enrolled Agent exam and practice rights.
basics
W-2 vs 1099: What Filers Need to Know
Understand the difference between employee W-2 wages and 1099 independent contractor income for federal taxes.
credits
Federal Tax Credits Overview
Plain-English overview of major U.S. federal tax credits — 2026 Child Tax Credit, EITC, education, energy, and more.
filing
Do I Have to File Taxes in 2026?
2026 federal filing thresholds by status and age, plus when self-employment, credits, or Marketplace coverage mean you should file even below the income cutoff.
basics
How to File Federal Taxes in 2026
Step-by-step Form 1040 filing for 2026: documents to gather, taxable income, credits, paying what you owe, Form 4868 extensions, and e-file tips.
Best tax software for 2026
Free editions vs IRS Free File, audit support, crypto, and live experts — side by side.
| Feature | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0 Free Edition | $0 Free Online | $0 Free Edition | $0 Simply Free |
| Live expert access | Premium | Premium | Premium | Premium |
| Cryptocurrency | Advanced | Basic | Basic | Basic |
2026 tax brackets
Rates and income ranges by filing status.
Standard deduction
2026 amounts plus age 65 / blind extras.
Capital gains rates
2026 long-term 0%, 15%, and 20% brackets.
EITC 2026
Max credits and income phaseout limits.
Itemize vs standard
SALT cap math and Schedule A decision.
Important disclaimer
TaxPrepGuru provides general educational information about U.S. federal taxes. We are not a CPA firm, Enrolled Agent practice, or law firm. Nothing on this site is tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules change; always confirm figures and forms on IRS.gov or with a qualified tax professional before filing.