The 2024 federal income tax rates depend on your filing status and income level
The IRS sets different tax rates for 2024 based on how much you earn and whether you file as single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household. The rates themselves — 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% — stayed the same as 2023. What changed is the income ranges (called tax brackets) where each rate applies. These ranges shift each year to account for inflation.
Your tax bracket does not mean you pay that rate on all your income. Instead, you pay the lower rate on income up to the first bracket threshold, then the next rate on income above that, and so on. This is called progressive taxation. For example, if you are single and earn $50,000, you do not pay 22% on the whole amount — you pay 10% on the first portion, then 12% on the next portion, then 22% only on the amount above the 22% bracket threshold.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 tax rates are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%, and the income ranges for each rate vary by filing status.
- A single filer in 2024 enters the 22% bracket at $11,601 of taxable income and the 24% bracket at $47,151.
- Married couples filing jointly have higher income thresholds for each bracket than single filers, so the same income is taxed at a lower rate.
- Your actual tax owed depends on your taxable income after deductions and credits, not your total earnings.
- The IRS adjusts these bracket thresholds annually, so the 2025 rates will differ from 2024.
2024 tax brackets for single filers
If you file as single, your 2024 tax brackets are:
| Tax Rate | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $11,600 |
| 12% | $11,601 to $47,150 |
| 22% | $47,151 to $100,525 |
| 24% | $100,526 to $191,950 |
| 32% | $191,951 to $243,725 |
| 35% | $243,726 to $609,350 |
| 37% | $609,351 and above |
These thresholds explore to your taxable income, which is your total income minus the standard deduction or itemized deductions. For 2024, the standard deduction for a single filer is $14,600. This means if you earn $50,000, your taxable income is $35,400 ($50,000 minus $14,600), and you calculate tax on that $35,400.
2024 tax brackets for married filing jointly
If you file as married filing jointly, your 2024 tax brackets are:
| Tax Rate | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $23,200 |
| 12% | $23,201 to $94,300 |
| 22% | $94,301 to $201,050 |
| 24% | $201,051 to $383,900 |
| 32% | $383,901 to $487,450 |
| 35% | $487,451 to $731,200 |
| 37% | $731,201 and above |
The standard deduction for married filing jointly in 2024 is $29,200. Notice that the income ranges for married filers are roughly double those for single filers. This is by design — it prevents married couples from paying more tax than two single people earning the same total income.
2024 tax brackets for head of household and married filing separately
If you file as head of household (usually because you support a dependent and are unmarried), your 2024 brackets fall between single and married filing jointly. The 10% bracket runs from $0 to $16,550, the 12% bracket from $16,551 to $63,100, and so on. The standard deduction for head of household is $21,900.
If you file as married filing separately, your brackets are the same as single filers, but your standard deduction is $14,600 each. This filing status is rarely used because it usually results in higher total tax than filing jointly, but it may be necessary if you and your spouse cannot file together or want to keep finances separate.
How to find your effective tax rate
Your effective tax rate is the percentage of your total income that you actually owe in federal income tax. It is always lower than your marginal rate (the highest bracket you reach) because of the progressive system. To find it, divide your total tax owed by your taxable income.
For example, suppose you are single, earn $60,000, and have no deductions beyond the standard deduction. Your taxable income is $45,400 ($60,000 minus $14,600). You owe 10% on the first $11,600 ($1,160), 12% on the next $35,550 ($4,266), and 22% on the remaining $0 (because $11,600 plus $35,550 equals $47,150, which is where the 22% bracket starts, and your taxable income stops at $45,400). Your total tax is $5,426. Your effective rate is $5,426 divided by $45,400, or about 11.9%. Your marginal rate is 12%.
What changes between 2024 and 2025
The IRS adjusts tax brackets annually based on inflation. The 2025 brackets will be different from 2024, with higher income thresholds for each rate. You will see the 2025 brackets in late 2024 when the IRS publishes them. The tax rates themselves (10%, 12%, 22%, etc.) do not change year to year — only the income ranges shift.
If you are preparing your 2024 tax return now, use the 2024 brackets shown above. Do not use 2025 brackets for 2024 income, and do not use 2023 brackets. The year of the return must match the year of the brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my tax bracket mean I pay that rate on all my income?
No. You pay 10% on income in the 10% bracket, 12% on income in the 12% bracket, and so on. Only the portion of your income that falls within each bracket is taxed at that rate. This is why your effective tax rate is always lower than your marginal (highest) rate.
What is the difference between taxable income and total income?
Total income is everything you earn. Taxable income is what remains after you subtract the standard deduction (or itemized deductions if you use those instead). You calculate your tax on taxable income, not total income. For 2024, the standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married filing jointly.
Do I use the 2024 brackets or 2025 brackets for my 2024 return?
Always use the brackets for the year you are reporting. If you are filing a 2024 return, use 2024 brackets. The IRS publishes 2025 brackets in late 2024, and those explore only to income earned in 2025.
Why are the income ranges for married filing jointly roughly double those for single filers?
This prevents the "marriage penalty" — a situation where two people pay more tax together than they would separately. By doubling the bracket thresholds, the IRS ensures that a married couple with combined income of $100,000 pays roughly the same tax as two single people each earning $50,000.
Will my tax bracket change next year?
Yes. The IRS adjusts the income ranges for each bracket every year to account for inflation. The rates themselves stay the same, but the thresholds where each rate begins will be higher in 2025 than in 2024. Check the IRS website in late 2024 for the 2025 brackets.