“`html
2026 Tax Brackets: A Guide to Upcoming Changes and Their Impact
Table of Contents
published October 19, 2025, at 05:36:28 AM. Updated as new facts becomes available.
What’s Changing in 2026?
The tax brackets for 2026 are subject to change due to inflation and the scheduled expiration of provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. Without Congressional action, these changes will likely result in higher taxes for many Americans. The MSN article provides a detailed overview of these potential shifts.
The TCJA, enacted in December 2017, temporarily lowered tax rates and increased standard deductions. Many of these provisions are set to expire after 2025, reverting tax laws to pre-TCJA levels. This means that tax brackets will likely shift, and many taxpayers could find themselves in a higher tax bracket, even if their income remains the same.
Projected 2026 Tax Brackets (Without Congressional Action)
The following table illustrates the projected 2026 tax brackets based on current law, assuming no changes are made by Congress. these figures are based on inflation adjustments and the expiration of the TCJA provisions. It’s crucial to remember these are *projections* and subject to change.
| Tax Rate | single Filers | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $11,600 | Up to $23,200 | Up to $17,400 |
| 12% | $11,601 to $47,150 | $23,201 to $83,550 | $17,401 to $59,475 |
| 22% | $47,151 to $100,525 | $83,551 to $178,150 | $59,476 to $125,700 |
| 24% | $100,526 to $191,950 | $178,151 to $343,900 | $125,701 to $255,350 |
| 32% | $191,951 to $243,725 | $343,901 to $431,900 | $255,351 to $321,400 |
| 35% | $243,726 to $609,350 | $431,901 to $609,350 | $321,401 to $609,350 |
| 37% | Over $609,350 | Over $609,350 | Over $609,350 |
Source: Projected based on current IRS guidelines and anticipated inflation adjustments as of October 19, 2025. These are subject to change.
Impact on Pensions and Retirement Income
Changes to tax brackets will directly affect individuals receiving income from pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and Social Security. A higher tax bracket means a larger portion of this income will be subject to taxation. This is
