Question 1

How does the bracket mode calculate my tax?

Accepted Answer

It applies each 2024 US federal single-filer bracket rate only to the portion of your taxable income that falls within that bracket — not your whole income at one rate. This is how progressive tax systems actually work.

Question 2

What's the difference between my effective rate and marginal rate?

Accepted Answer

Your marginal rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income (your highest bracket). Your effective rate is your total tax divided by your total income — always lower than your marginal rate under a progressive system.

Question 3

Is this real tax advice?

Accepted Answer

No. This calculator uses a simplified, illustrative version of the 2024 US federal single-filer brackets with no credits, deductions beyond what you enter, or state/local taxes. Consult a tax professional for your actual filing.

Question 4

What should I enter as "taxable income"?

Accepted Answer

Enter your income after any deductions you're claiming (standard or itemized) — not your gross salary. Taxable income is what tax brackets are actually applied to.

Question 5

Why use flat rate mode instead of brackets?

Accepted Answer

Flat rate mode is useful for quick estimates, for comparing against a flat-tax jurisdiction, or for modeling a blended effective rate you already know from a prior year.