Marginal Tax Rate Calculator (Tax Year 2017)
Use this calculator to determine your marginal and effective tax rates for tax year 2017. This calculator sorts through the tax brackets and filing options to calculate your true tax liability.
How the marginal tax rate calculator (tax year 2017) works
Using the 2017 brackets, it calculates your total federal tax and effective rate, and finds the bracket holding your last dollar of income to show your marginal rate.
Worked example: with taxable income of $80,000, the marginal tax rate calculator (tax year 2017) shows marginal tax rate of 25%.
- Total federal tax
- $15,739
- Marginal rate
- 25%
- Effective rate
- 19.7%
- Tax on next $1,000
- $250
The formula
Marginal rate = the 2017 bracket containing your taxable income; effective rate = total 2017 tax ÷ taxable income.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.
Questions about the marginal tax rate calculator (tax year 2017)
How do I use my marginal tax rate?
For decisions at the margin — whether to take a bonus, make a pre-tax retirement contribution, or claim a deduction. Each is valued at your marginal rate, not your average rate.
Will earning more push all my income into a higher bracket?
No — a common myth. Only the income above each threshold is taxed at the higher rate; the rest stays in the lower brackets.
What was the top 2017 rate?
39.6%, applying to taxable income above roughly $418,400 (single) or $470,700 (joint). It dropped to 37% under the 2018 reform.
Is the Marginal Tax Rate Calculator (Tax Year 2017) free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.