Retirement tax calculator for 2026
Short answer: Retirees pay federal income tax on IRA and 401(k) withdrawals, pensions, interest and up to 85% of Social Security. In 2026, a married couple both 65 or older gets a standard deduction of $35,500 plus up to $12,000 more from the new senior deduction. Enter your income below for your estimate.
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2026 federal tax brackets
These rates apply to taxable income, which is income after deductions. Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
| Rate | Married filing jointly | Single |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $24,800 | $0 to $12,400 |
| 12% | $24,801 to $100,800 | $12,401 to $50,400 |
| 22% | $100,801 to $211,400 | $50,401 to $105,700 |
| 24% | $211,401 to $403,550 | $105,701 to $201,775 |
| 32% | $403,551 to $512,450 | $201,776 to $256,225 |
| 35% | $512,451 to $768,700 | $256,226 to $640,600 |
| 37% | $768,701 and up | $640,601 and up |
2026 deductions for retirees
| Deduction | Married filing jointly | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $32,200 | $16,100 |
| Extra for each person 65+ | $1,650 each | $2,050 |
| Senior deduction, each person 65+ (2025 to 2028) | Up to $6,000 each | Up to $6,000 |
| Senior deduction phases out above | $150,000 income | $75,000 income |
A married couple, both 65 or older, can deduct up to $47,500 in 2026 before paying any federal income tax: $32,200 + $3,300 + $12,000, if their income is under $150,000.
Why retirees often pay more than their bracket
Each extra dollar of IRA withdrawal or pension can also make up to 85 cents of Social Security taxable, and above $150,000 of joint income ($75,000 single) it shrinks the senior deduction. So the tax on the next dollar can be well above the bracket rate. The calculator shows this as "your next $1,000." Planners call it the tax torpedo, and it is one reason the order you draw from accounts matters.
Capital gains and qualified dividends
Long-term gains and qualified dividends sit on top of your other income. They are taxed at 0% while total taxable income stays under $98,900 (married) or $49,450 (single), then 15%, and 20% above $613,700 (married) or $545,500 (single). This calculator leaves out the 3.8% net investment income tax, which applies only above $250,000 of joint income ($200,000 single).
See the whole picture
Taxes are one year at a time here. The free Retirement Check estimates your taxes for every year of retirement, including required withdrawals and Medicare surcharges.
Run the free Retirement CheckCommon questions
How much tax will I pay on my retirement income?
It depends on your total income and the mix. Social Security is partly tax-free, Roth withdrawals are tax-free, and IRA, 401(k) and pension income are fully taxable. Use the calculator above for an estimate based on 2026 federal rules.
What is the standard deduction for seniors in 2026?
For 2026 the standard deduction is $32,200 for married couples filing jointly plus $1,650 for each spouse 65 or older, and $16,100 for single filers plus $2,050 at 65 or older. The separate senior deduction of up to $6,000 per person 65 or older is on top of that for 2025 through 2028.
Is Social Security taxed in Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, so Social Security, pensions and IRA withdrawals are not taxed by the state. Federal tax still applies.
Are Roth IRA withdrawals taxable?
Qualified Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free and are not counted as income for taxing Social Security. Generally a withdrawal is qualified after age 59½ once the account has been open five years.
Does this include state tax?
No, it estimates federal income tax only. Texas has no state income tax. If you live in a state that has one, add it separately.
Sources
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 inflation adjustments)
- IRS: Check your eligibility for the new enhanced deduction for seniors
- IRS Publication 915: Social Security and equivalent railroad retirement benefits
- IRS Topic 409: Capital gains and losses