Tax brackets 2023-2024: How much tax you owe

This blog explains the 2023-2024 federal tax brackets and how they impact your tax obligations. By understanding these brackets, you can efficiently manage your personal and business finances without comingling them while ensuring accurate tax planning for your small business.

Did you know that your morning coffee might be taxed at a different rate than your annual bonus?

Understanding how much tax you owe can be a headache since the rates can vary and keep changing, too (more on that later). The federal tax system is divided into seven tax brackets, meaning your income is taxed at progressively higher rates as it increases.

Let’s break it down with an example: If you’re a single filer in 2024, the first $11,600 of your taxable income is taxed at 10%. Earn a bit more, and the income between $11,601 and $47,150 is taxed at 12%. This continues, with higher portions of your income moving into higher brackets.

The IRS doesn’t apply the same brackets to everyone. Your tax rate varies based on your filing status:

  • Single filers
  • Married couples filing jointly
  • Married couples filing separately
  • Heads of households

To keep up with changes in the economy, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) adjusts these federal income tax brackets annually for inflation. Staying updated with these adjustments can help you estimate your tax liability accurately and plan your finances better.

For small business owners, this knowledge is particularly vital as it helps create a dual awareness of personal tax obligations alongside your business taxes. This allows you to make informed decisions, optimize your tax strategy, and maintain a healthy balance between your business and personal finances.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of the 2023-2024 tax brackets and see where you fit in.

What are the 2023 federal income tax brackets?

According to the IRS, here are the 2023 tax brackets, which you will use to file your 2023 taxes.

They are categorized into the four most common filing statuses: individual single filers, married individuals filing jointly, heads of households, and married individuals filing separately.

Tax rate Individual single filers Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) Married filing separately Head of household
Tax rate Individual single filers Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) Married filing separately Head of household
10% $0 – $10,275 $0 – $20,550 $0 – $10,275 $0 – $14,650
12% $10,276 – $41,775 $20,551 – $83,550 $10,276 – $41,775 $14,651 – $55,900
22% $41,776 – $89,075 $83,551 – $178,150 $41,776 – $89,075 $55,901 – $89,050
24% $89,076 – $170,050 $178,1511- 340,100 $89,076- $170,050 $89,051 – $170,050
32% $170,051- $215,950 $340,101 – $431,900 $170,051-$215,950 $170,051 – $215,950
35% $215,951- $539,900 $431,901 – $647,850 $215,951 – $323,925 $215,951-$539,900
37% $539,901+ $647,851+ $323,926+ $539,901+

How to determine the tax bracket you’re in:

You can easily find out your tax bracket by referring to the tables provided by the IRS. These tables categorize tax rates based on different filing statuses: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household.

To calculate your tax bracket, start by assessing your taxable income. Add up all your income sources for the year that are subject to taxation, such as salary, bonuses, tips, freelance earnings, alimony, and interest income.

Then, subtract any deductions like contributions to your 401(k), HSA, or health insurance premiums (these are typically already reflected in your W-2, if applicable). After deducting either the standard deduction or itemized deductions, you’ll arrive at your total taxable income.

Here’s a crucial point to note: the top tax rate your income falls into isn’t necessarily the rate you’ll pay on all your income. It’s the rate applicable to the portion of your income that falls within the highest bracket.

Referencing the appropriate boxes in the IRS tables for your taxable income and filing status, you can determine how much of your income falls into each tax bracket. This process gives you a clearer picture of your tax liability and helps you plan your finances more effectively.

How do tax brackets work?

Let’s break down how tax brackets work in simple terms. 

Tax brackets are determined by your taxable income, which is essentially what you’ve earned minus any tax deductions you’re eligible for.

Once you’ve figured out your taxable income, it’s time to consult the IRS’s tax rate schedule, which is a detailed list of tax brackets for the specific tax year.

It’s important to note that these brackets apply solely to income tax; capital gains tax operates under its own set of brackets.

Let’s take the IRS tax brackets for individual single filers in 2023:

Tax rate Total taxable income
10% $0 – $10,275
12% $10,276 – $41,775
22% $41,776 – $89,075
24% $89,076 – $170,050
32% $170,051 – $215,950
35% $215,951 – $539,900
37% $539,901+

If your taxable income exceeds $10,275 in 2023, chances are you’ll find yourself in more than one tax bracket. This means different portions of your income are taxed at different rates.

Here’s an example to illustrate: Let’s say your taxable income for the year is $20,000. In this case, you would fall into two tax brackets:

  • The $0 – $10,275 bracket, where you’re taxed at 10%
  • The $19,276 – $41,775 bracket, where you’re taxed at 12%

So essentially, you’re paying two different tax rates: 10% on the first $10,275 of your income, and 12% on every dollar you’ve earned above that amount.

To calculate your total tax bill, you’d use the following equation:

Total tax = (10% x $10,275) + (12% x [$20,000 – $10,275])

This simplifies to:

Total tax = $1027.50 + $1,167.00

Resulting in a total tax bill of $2,194.50.

The highest tax rate you pay is known as your marginal tax rate.

In this example, your marginal tax rate would be 12%. These concepts can help you understand taxes better and empower you to make informed financial decisions.

Why do tax brackets change every year?

Have you ever wondered why each year’s tax brackets seem to be slightly different from the previous year’s? It all comes down to a concept called inflation.

Inflation refers to the gradual increase in prices over time, which effectively reduces the purchasing power of money. To prevent what’s known as “bracket creep,” where inflation pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets even though their real income hasn’t increased, the IRS adjusts the tax brackets annually.

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act brought about significant changes to the tax code, including adjustments to how the IRS calculates inflation. This change means that future inflation adjustments will likely be smaller, increasing the likelihood of taxpayers moving into higher tax brackets each year.

For example, if you narrowly avoided entering a higher tax bracket this year and anticipate being on the borderline next year, it’s essential to stay updated on the IRS’s inflation adjustment announcements. By keeping an eye on these updates, you can better anticipate any changes to your tax situation and plan accordingly.

Some other inflation adjustments

Understanding inflation adjustments beyond just tax brackets is essential for managing your finances effectively. Apart from adjusting tax brackets, the IRS also tweaks the values of deductions to combat bracket creep caused by inflation.

One crucial inflation-adjusted deduction to keep an eye on is the standard deduction. This deduction shields a portion of your income from taxes and is adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation.

Here are the standard deduction amounts for the 2023 tax year, along with their increases from the previous year:

  • $13,850 for single filers (up $900)
  • $13,850 for married taxpayers filing separately (up $900)
  • $20,800 for heads of households (up $1,400)
  • $27,700 for married taxpayers filing jointly (up $1,800)
  • $27,700 for qualifying widows or widowers (up $1,800)

These adjustments are designed to ensure that the value of your deductions doesn’t erode over time due to inflation, providing you with continued tax relief. Keeping track of these inflation adjustments can help you maximize your tax benefits and effectively plan your finances for the year ahead.

Adjustments to income

Adjustments to your income can significantly impact your tax liability, allowing you to reduce your taxable income even before considering standard deductions or itemizing. These adjustments serve as a special category of deductions aimed at providing tax relief. You can access a comprehensive summary of all the updated adjustment figures on the IRS website.

Tax credits

Tax credits differ from deductions in that they directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. Some tax credits that the IRS has adjusted for inflation this year include:

The earned income credit, which has increased to a range of $600 to $7,430 in 2023, depending on your filing status and the number of children you have. This marks a slight uptick from the previous range of $560 to $6,935.

For the lifetime learning credit, the adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold at which you begin to lose the credit is $90,000 in 2023 for single filers. However, for married couples filing jointly, the phase-out threshold begins when your 2023 AGI reaches $180,000.

Additionally, the maximum amount of qualified adoption expenses eligible for the adoption credit has risen to $14,890 per child.

These adjustments reflect changes in the cost of living and aim to provide taxpayers with increased financial support. Staying informed about these adjustments can help you take full advantage of available tax credits and effectively manage your tax obligations.

The bottom line

Understanding tax brackets can significantly impact your financial planning and tax strategy. By knowing where your income fits within the 2023-2024 tax brackets, you can better estimate your tax obligations and plan accordingly. For small business owners, this dual knowledge of both personal and business taxes is even more important to ensure your finances don’t mingle and you maintain a balanced financial outlook.

With CoCountant, managing your tax obligations becomes simpler and more efficient. Our comprehensive tax advisory and filing services are designed to help you navigate the complexities of the tax system, saving you time and ensuring you’re fully compliant.

Focus on growing your business, and let CoCountant handle the rest.

FAQs

What are the tax brackets for 2024?

The tax brackets for 2024 vary based on your filing status: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and head of household. Each status has its own set of income ranges and corresponding tax rates. For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to check the IRS website or consult a tax professional.

When will the 2024 tax brackets be released?

The IRS typically releases the tax brackets for the upcoming year in the latter part of the current year, usually around November. Keep an eye on the IRS website for the official release.

What are the new tax brackets for 2024?

The new tax brackets for 2024 reflect adjustments for inflation and any changes in tax law. These brackets determine how much tax you owe based on your income and filing status. Check the IRS website or consult with a tax advisor for the most current information.

What are the federal tax brackets for 2024?

The federal tax brackets for 2024 define the tax rates for different levels of taxable income. They apply to various filing statuses, including single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and head of household. The IRS releases these brackets annually, typically in late fall.

Did tax brackets change for 2024? Are tax brackets changing in 2024?

Yes, tax brackets can change each year due to inflation adjustments or legislative changes. For 2024, it’s essential to review the latest information from the IRS to see if there have been any changes to the tax brackets compared to previous years.

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Disclaimer

CoCountant assumes no responsibility for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein. This resource is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice.  Make sure to consult your personal attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to believing or acting on the information included or referenced in this post.