Tax brackets are the divisions at which tax rates change in a progressive tax system (or an explicitly regressive tax system, though that is rarer). Essentially, tax brackets are the cutoff values for taxable income—income past a certain point is taxed at a higher rate.
Imagine that there are three tax brackets: 10%, 20%, and 30%. The 10% rate applies to income from $1 to $10,000; the 20% rate applies to income from $10,001 to $20,000; and the 30% rate applies to all income above $20,000.
Under this system, someone earning $10,000 is taxed at 10%, paying a total of $1,000. Someone earning $5,000 pays $500, and so on.
Meanwhile, someone who earns $25,000 faces a more complicated calculation. The rate on the first $10,000 is 10%, from $10,001 to $20,000 is 20%, and above that is 30%. Thus, they pay $1,000 for the first $10,000 of income (10%), $2,000 for the second $10,000 of income (20%), and $1,500 for the last $5,000 of income (30%), In total, they pay $4,500, or an 18% average tax rate.
In practice the computation is simplified by using point–slope form or slope–intercept form of the linear equation for the tax on a specific bracket, either as tax on the bottom amount of the bracket plus the tax on the marginal amount within the bracket:
\$3000+(\$25000-\$20000) x 30\%=\$3000+\$1500=\$4500,
\$25000 x 30\%-\$3000=\$7500-\$3000=\$4500.
See main article: Income tax in Australia.
Financial years 2018–19, 2019–20[1]
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | Effective tax rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – $18,200 | Nil | 0% | |
| $18,201 – $37,000 | 19c for each $1 over $18,200 | 0 – 9.7% | |
| $37,001 – $90,000 | $3,572 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $37,000 | 9.7 – 21.9% | |
| $90,001 – $180,000 | $20,797 plus 37c for each $1 over $90,000 | 21.9 – 30.3% | |
| $180,001 and over | $54,097 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000 | 30.3 – less than 45% |
See main article: Taxation in Canada.
Canada's federal government has the following tax brackets for the 2012 tax year (all in Canadian dollars). The "basic personal amount" of $15,527 effectively means that income up to this amount is not subject to tax, although it is included in the calculation of taxable income.[2]
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$15,527 | Nil | |
| $15,528–$42,707 | 15% | |
| $42,708–$85,414 | 22% | |
| $85,414–$132,406 | 26% | |
| Over $132,406 | 29%[3] |
Each province except Québec adds their own tax on top of the federal tax. Québec has a completely separate income tax.
Provincial / Territorial Tax Rates for 2012:[4]
See main article: Income tax in India. Income tax slabs applicable for financial year 2015–16 (Assessment Year- 2016–17)is summarized below:
| Men and Women under 60 years | ||
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹ 250,000 | Nothing | |
| ₹ 250,001 to ₹ 500,000 | 5% of the amount exceeding ₹ 250,000 (2.5 lacs) | |
| ₹ 500,001 to ₹ 1,000,000 | ₹ 12,500 + 20% of the amount exceeding ₹ 500,000 (5 Lacs) | |
| More than ₹ 1,000,000 | ₹ 1,12,500 + 30% of the amount exceeding ₹ 1,000,000 (10 lacs) |
| Men and Women between 60 and 80 years | ||
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹ 300,000 | Nothing | |
| ₹ 300,001 to ₹ 500,000 | 5% of the amount exceeding ₹ 300,000 (3 lacs) | |
| ₹ 500,001 to ₹ 1,000,000 e | ₹ 15,000 + 20% of the amount exceeding ₹ 500,000 (5 lacs) | |
| More than ₹ 1,000,000 | ₹ 115,000 + 30% of the amount exceeding ₹ 1,000,000 (10 lacs) |
| Very Senior Citizens above 80 years | ||
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹ 500,000 | Nothing | |
| ₹ 500,001 to ₹ 1,000,000 | 20% of the amount exceeding ₹ 5 lacs | |
| More than ₹ 1,000,000 | ₹ 100,000 + 30% of the amount exceeding ₹ 10 lacs |
Malaysia has the following income tax brackets based on assessment year.[6]
| Taxable income | Tax payable on this income | Effective tax rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MYR 05,000 | Nil | 0% | |
| MYR 5,00120,000 | 1% for each MYR 1 over MYR 5,000 | 00.75% | |
| MYR 20,00135,000 | MYR 150 + 3% for each MYR 1 over MYR 20,000 | 0.751.71% | |
| MYR 35,00150,000 | MYR 600 + 8% for each MYR 1 over MYR 35,000 | 1.713.60% | |
| MYR 50,00170,000 | MYR 1,800 + 14% for each MYR 1 over MYR 50,000 | 3.606.57% | |
| MYR 70,001100,000 | MYR 4,600 + 21% for each MYR 1 over MYR 70,000 | 6.5710.90% | |
| MYR 100,001250,000 | MYR 10,900 + 24% for each MYR 1 over MYR 100,000 | 10.9018.76% | |
| MYR 250,001400,000 | MYR 46,900 + 24.5% for each MYR 1 over MYR 250,000 | 18.7620.91% | |
| MYR 400,001600,000 | MYR 83,650 + 25% for each MYR 1 over MYR 400,000 | 20.9122.28% | |
| MYR 600,0011,000,000 | MYR 133,650 + 26% for each MYR 1 over MYR 600,000 | 22.2723.77% | |
| MYR 1,000,0012,000,000 | MYR 237,650 + 28% for each MYR 1 over MYR 1,000,000 | 23.7625.88% | |
| MYR 2,000,001 and over | MYR 517,650 + 30% for each MYR 1 over MYR 2,000,000 | 25.88%30.00% |
Malta has the following tax brackets for income received during 2012
Single Rates:
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| €0 – 8,500 | Nil | |
| €8,501 – 14,500 | 15% | |
| €14,501 – 19,500 | 25% | |
| €19,501 and over | 35% |
Married Rates:
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| €0 – 11,900 | Nil | |
| €11,901 – 21,200 | 15% | |
| €21,201 – 28,700 | 25% | |
| €28,701 and over | 35% |
See main article: Income tax in the Netherlands.
New Zealand has the following income tax brackets (as of 1 October 2010). All values in New Zealand dollars, with the ACC Earners' levy not included.[7]
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $14,000 | 10.5% | |
| $14,001 – $48,000 | 17.5% | |
| $48,001 – $70,000 | 30% | |
| $70,001 and over | 33% |
45% when the employee does not complete a declaration form (IR330).
ACC Earners' Levy for the 2010 tax year is 2.0%, an increase from 1.7% in the 2008 tax year.
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$20,000 | Nil | |
| $20,001–$30,000 | 3.5c for each $1 over $20,000 | |
| $30,001–$40,000 | $350 plus 5.5c for each $1 over $30,000 | |
| $40,001–$80,000 | $900 plus 8.5c for each $1 over $40,000 | |
| $80,001–$160,000 | $4300 plus 14c for each $1 over $80,000 | |
| $160,001–$320,000 | $15,500 plus 17c for each $1 over $160,000 | |
| Over $320,000 | $42,700 plus 20c for each $1 over $320,000 |
A personal tax rebate of 20% was granted for 2008, up to a maximum of $2,000.
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$20,000 | Nil | |
| $20,001–$30,000 | 2c for each $1 over $20,000 | |
| $30,001–$40,000 | $200 plus 3.5c for each $1 over $30,000 | |
| $40,001–$80,000 | $550 plus 7c for each $1 over $40,000 | |
| $80,001–$120,000 | $3,350 plus 11.5c for each $1 over $80,000 | |
| $120,001–$160,000 | $7,950 plus 15c for each $1 over $120,000 | |
| $160,001–$200,000 | $13,950 plus 17c for each $1 over $160,000 | |
| $200,001–$320,000 | $20,750 plus 18c for each $1 over $200,000 | |
| Over $320,000 | $42,350 plus 20c for each $1 over $320,000 |
All figures are in Singapore dollars.
The Minister of Finance announced new tax rates for the 2012–2013 tax year. They are as follows :[8]
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| R0–R150,000 | 18% of every Rand | |
| R150,001–R235,000 | R27,000 plus 25% of the amount above R150,000 | |
| R235,001–R325,000 | R48,250 plus 30% of the amount above R235,000 | |
| R325,001–R455,000 | R75,250 plus 35% of the amount above R325,000 | |
| R455,001–R580,000 | R120,750 plus 38% of the amount above R455,000 | |
| R580,001 and over | R168,250 plus 40% of the amount above R580,000 |
| Taxable income | Tax on this income | |
|---|---|---|
| R0–R160,000 | 18% of every Rand | |
| R160,001–R250,000 | R28,800 plus 25% of the amount above R160,000 | |
| R250,001–R346,000 | R51,300 plus 30% of the amount above R250,000 | |
| R346,001–R484,000 | R80,100 plus 35% of the amount above R346,000 | |
| R484,001–R617,000 | R128,400 plus 38% of the amount above R484,000 | |
| R617,001 and over | R178,940 plus 40% of the amount above R617,000 |
Personal income tax is progressive in nature. The total rate does not usually exceed 40%.
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration website http://www.estv.admin.ch provides a broad outline of the Swiss tax system, and full details and tax tables are available in PDF documents.
The complexity of the system is partly because the Confederation, the 26 Cantons that make up the federation,and about 2 900 communes [municipalities] levy their own taxes based on the Federal Constitution and 26 Cantonal Constitutions.
Financial year 2013[9]
| Tax on this income | Effective tax rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| NT$0 – NT$272,000[Includes Tax Free Threshold for below 70 of age (NT$85,000), Personal Standard Deduction (NT$79,000) and Payroll Income Deduction (NT$108,000)] | Nil | 0% | |
| NT$272,001 – NT$792,000 | 5% for each NT$1 for the next NT$520,000 | 0 – 3.28% | |
| NT$792,001 – NT$1,442,000 | NT$26,000 plus 12% for each NT$1 for the next NT$650,000 | 3.28 – 7.21% | |
| NT$1,442,001 – NT$2,622,000 | NT$104,000 plus 20% for each NT$1 for the next NT$1,180,000 | 7.21 – 12.97% | |
| NT$2,622,001 – NT$4,672,000 | NT$340,000 plus 30% for each NT$1 for the next NT$2,050,000 | 12.97 – 21.3% | |
| NT$4,672,001 and over | NT$995,000 plus 40% for each exceeding NT$1 |
See main article: Taxation in the United Kingdom.
See main article: Taxation in the United States. [10]
As of 1 January 2018, the tax brackets have been updated due to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
| width=75 | Marginal tax rate[11] | width=150 | Single | width=150 | Married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $9,525 | Up to $19,050 | |||
| 12% | $9,526 to $38,700 | $19,051 to $77,400 | |||
| 22% | $38,701 to $82,500 | $77,401 to $165,000 | |||
| 24% | $82,501 to $157,500 | $165,001 to $315,000 | |||
| 32% | $157,501 to $200,000 | $315,001 to $400,000 | |||
| 35% | $200,001 to $500,000 | $400,001 to $600,000 | |||
| 37% | over $500,000 | over $600,000 |
See main article: Rate schedule (federal income tax).
In the United States, the dollar amounts of the federal income tax standard deduction and personal exemptions for the taxpayer and dependents are adjusted annually to account for inflation. This results in yearly changes to the personal income tax brackets even when the federal income tax rates remain unchanged.
| width=75 | Marginal tax rate[12] | width=150 | Single | width=150 | Married filing jointly or qualified widow(er) | width=150 | Married filing separately | width=150 | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $8,500 | $0 to $17,000 | $0 to $8,500 | $0 to $12,150 | |||||
| 15% | $8,501 to $34,500 | $17,001 to $69,000 | $8,501 to $34,500 | $12,151 to $46,250 | |||||
| 25% | $34,501 to $83,600 | $69,001 to $139,350 | $34,501 to $69,675 | $46,251 to $119,400 | |||||
| 28% | $83,601 to $174,400 | $139,351 to $212,300 | $69,676–$106,150 | $119,401 to $193,350 | |||||
| 33% | $174,401 to $379,150 | $212,301–$379,150 | $106,151 to $189,575 | $193,351 to $379,150 | |||||
| 35% | $379,151+ | $379,151+ | $189,576+ | $379,151+ |
Two higher tax brackets (36% and 39.6%) were added in 1993, and then taxes in all brackets were lowered in 2001 through 2003 as follows:
| 1992 | 1993–2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003–2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | 15% | 15% | 10% | 10% |
| 15% | 15% | |||
| 28% | 28% | 27.5% | 27% | 25% |
| 31% | 31% | 30.5% | 30% | 28% |
| 36% | 35.5% | 35% | 33% | |
| 39.6% | 39.1% | 38.6% | 35% |
Gross salary is the amount your employer pays an employee, plus one's income tax liability. Although the tax itself is included in this figure, it is typically the one used when discussing one's pay. For example, John gets paid $50/hour as an administrative director. His annual gross salary is $50/hour x 2,000 hours/year = $100,000/year. Of this, some is paid to John, and the rest to taxes.
W-2 wages are the wages that appear on the employee's W-2 issued by his employer each year in January. A copy of the W-2 is sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is the gross salary less any contributions to pre-tax plans. The W-2 form also shows the amount withheld by the employer for federal income tax.
W-2 wages = gross salary less (contributions to employer retirement plan)less (contributions to employer health plan)less (contributions to some other employer plans)
Total income is the sum of all taxable income, including the W-2 wages. Almost all income is taxable. There are a few exemptions for individuals such as non-taxable interest on government bonds, a portion of the Social Security (SS) income (not the payments to SS, but the payments from SS to the individual), etc.
Adjusted gross income (AGI) is Total Income less some specific allowed deductions. Such as; alimony paid (income to the recipient), permitted moving expenses, self-employed retirement program, student loan interest, etc.
Itemized deductions are other specific deductions such as; mortgage interest on a home, state income taxes or sales taxes, local property taxes, charitable contributions, state income tax withheld, etc.
Standard deduction is a sort of minimum itemized deduction. If all itemized deductions are added up and it is less than the standard deduction, the standard deduction is taken. In 2007 this was $5,350 for those filing individually and $10,700 for married filing jointly.
Personal exemption is a tax exemption in which the taxpayer may deduct an amount from their gross income for each dependent they claim. It was $3,400 in 2007.
Given the complexity of the United States' income tax code, individuals often find it necessary to consult a tax accountant or professional tax preparer. For example, John, a married 44-year-old who has two children, earned a gross salary of $100,000 in 2007. He contributes the maximum $15,500 per year to his employer's 401(k) retirement plan, pays $1,800 per year for his employer's family health plan, and $500 per year to his employer's Flexfund medical expense plan. All of the plans are allowed pre-tax contributions.
Gross pay = $100,000
W-2 wages = $100,000 – $15,500 – $1,800 – $500 = $82,200
John's and his wife's other income is $12,000 from John's wife's wages (she also got a W-2 but had no pre-tax contributions), $200 interest from a bank account, and a $150 state tax refund.
Total Income = $82,200 + $12,000 + $200 + $150 = $94,550.
John's employer reassigned John to a new office and his moving expenses were $8,000, of which $2,000 was not reimbursed by his employer.
Adjusted gross income = $94,550 – $2,000 = $92,550.
John's itemized deductions were $22,300 (mortgage interest, property taxes, and state income tax withheld).
John had four personal exemptions—himself, his wife and two children. His total personal exemptions were 4 x $3,400 = $13,600.
Taxable Income = $92,550 – $22,300 – $13,600 = $56,650.
The tax on the Taxable Income is found in a Tax Table if the Taxable Income is less than $100,000 and is computed if over $100,000. Both are used. The Tax Tables are in the 2007 1040 Instructions. The Tax Tables list income in $50 increments for all categories of taxpayers, single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and head of household. For the Taxable Income range of "at least $56,650 but less than $56,700" the tax is $7,718 for a taxpayer who is married filing jointly.
The 2007 tax rates schedule[13] for married filing jointly is:
| - ! If taxable income is over | but not over | then the tax is | of the amount over | - | $0 | $15,650 | 10% | $0 | - | $15,650 | $63,700 | $1,565.00 + 15% | $15,650 | - | $63,700 | $128,500 | $8,772.50 + 25% | $63,700 | - | $128,500 | $195,850 | $24,972.50 + 28% | $128,500 | - | $195,850 | $349,700 | $43,830.50 + 33% | $195,850 | - | $349,700 | $94,601.00 + 35% | $349,700 |
|---|
The tax is 10% on the first $15,650 = $1,565.00
plus 15% of the amount over $15,650 ($56,650 – $15,650) = $41,000 x 15% = $6,150.00
Total ($1,565.00 + $6,150.00) = $7,715.00
In addition to the Federal income tax, John probably pays state income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. The Social Security tax in 2007 for John is 6.2% on the first $97,500 of earned income (wages), or a maximum of $6,045. There are no exclusions from earned income for Social Security so John pays the maximum of $6,045. His wife pays $12,000 x 6.2% = $744. Medicare is 1.45% on all earned income with no maximum. John and his wife pays $112,000 x 1.45% = $1,624 for Medicare in 2007.
Most states also levy income tax, exceptions being Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Wyoming.[14]