Understanding Federal Income Taxes
Understanding your federal income taxes can be a complex process, but below is a breakdown of key concepts.
Progressive Tax System:
- The US federal income tax system is progressive, meaning people with higher incomes pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes.
- This is achieved through a system of .
Tax Brackets:
- Tax brackets divide income into ranges, each with a different tax rate.
- As your income increases, you move into higher tax brackets, with higher tax rates on the portion of your income falling within that specific bracket.
- You only pay the higher rate on the income within that new bracket, not on your entire income.
Filing Status:
- Your filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly, head of household) impacts your tax brackets and the amount of your standard deduction.
- Choose the filing status that results in the lowest tax liability.
Deductions and Credits:
- Deductions - reduce your taxable income, lowering your overall tax liability.
- Credits - dollar-for-dollar reductions in your tax liability, potentially resulting in a refund.