Quick reference · updated 2026-10-21
2026 Tax and Financial Planning Numbers
The figures that come up in almost every retirement, tax and estate conversation, on one page. Every table names its official source and the date we last checked it, and links to the calculator that uses it.
2026 federal income tax brackets
Rates apply to taxable income, after the standard or itemized deduction. Each rate applies only to the income inside its band.
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $24,800 – $100,800 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $100,800 – $211,400 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | $211,400 – $403,550 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 |
Standard deduction: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly. Additional amounts apply at age 65 or older and for blindness.
2026 long-term capital gains rates
Long-term rates apply to assets held more than one year. The thresholds use taxable income, which includes the gain itself.
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $49,450 | Up to $98,900 |
| 15% | $49,451 – $545,500 | $98,901 – $613,700 |
| 20% | Over $545,500 | Over $613,700 |
The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax can apply on top of these rates once modified adjusted gross income passes $200,000 single or $250,000 joint. Those thresholds are not indexed for inflation.
2026 retirement and health savings contribution limits
Employee deferral limits apply per person across all 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans. IRA limits are a combined cap across traditional and Roth IRAs.
| Account | Base limit | Catch-up |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans | $24,500 | $8,000 at age 50+ · $11,250 at ages 60–63 |
| Traditional and Roth IRA (combined) | $7,500 | $1,100 at age 50+ |
| SIMPLE IRA | $17,000 | $3,850 at age 50+ · $5,250 at ages 60–63 |
| Health savings account | $4,400 self-only · $8,750 family | $1,000 at age 55+ |
Roth IRA eligibility phases out at higher incomes, and some higher earners must make 401(k) catch-up contributions as Roth contributions starting in 2026. Check the plan’s rules.
2026 Medicare Part B premiums and IRMAA brackets
Medicare uses modified adjusted gross income from two years earlier, so 2024 income sets most 2026 premiums. Crossing a line by one dollar moves you to the next tier.
| 2024 MAGI: single | 2024 MAGI: joint | Monthly Part B premium (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $202.90 |
| Above $109,000 up to $137,000 | Above $218,000 up to $274,000 | $284.10 |
| Above $137,000 up to $171,000 | Above $274,000 up to $342,000 | $405.80 |
| Above $171,000 up to $205,000 | Above $342,000 up to $410,000 | $527.50 |
| Above $205,000, below $500,000 | Above $410,000, below $750,000 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $689.90 |
Part D adds a separate income-related amount at the same income lines. A life-changing event such as retirement can support a request to use more recent income.
2026 estate, gift and trust planning figures
The federal exemption is shared between lifetime gifts and the estate at death. Annual exclusion gifts do not use it.
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Federal estate and lifetime gift exemption (per person) | $15,000,000 |
| Generation-skipping transfer exemption (per person) | $15,000,000 |
| Annual gift tax exclusion (per recipient) | $19,000 |
| Top federal estate, gift and GST rate | 40% |
| New York estate tax basic exclusion | $7,350,000 |
| Section 7520 rate (October 2026) | 5.60% |
New York’s credit disappears entirely once the taxable estate exceeds 105% of its exclusion. The 7520 rate changes monthly and affects GRAT, CRT and CLT calculations.
Other 2026 thresholds planners check
These figures often decide whether a tax applies at all, so they are worth checking before a large sale, conversion or exercise of stock options.
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%) MAGI threshold | $200,000 single · $250,000 joint |
| AMT exemption | $90,100 single · $140,200 joint |
| Social Security taxable wage base | $184,500 |
| Required minimum distribution starting age | 73 (age 75 if born in 1960 or later) |
| Net capital loss deduction against ordinary income | $3,000 ($1,500 married filing separately) |
Common questions
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
$16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, before the additional amount for people 65 or older.
How much can I put in a 401(k) in 2026?
Employees can defer up to $24,500. People 50 or older can add an $8,000 catch-up, and people aged 60 through 63 can add $11,250 instead if the plan allows it.
What income triggers IRMAA in 2026?
Modified adjusted gross income above $109,000 for a single filer or $218,000 for a joint return, measured using the tax return from two years earlier.
What is the 2026 estate tax exemption?
$15,000,000 per person, shared with lifetime taxable gifts. A married couple can coordinate both exemptions, but state estate taxes can apply at much lower levels.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each table links to the IRS, CMS, SSA or state publication it was taken from, with the date it was last checked. Confirm any figure that will decide a real transaction with your CPA.