K.E.M. Strategic Partners LLC | 35 Village Road, Suite 100 | Middleton MA 01949 | P. 978-560-3404  |  F. 978.560.1623

 
 

Caring  |   Independent   |   Practical
Financial Services

Tax Read Time: 3 min

Understanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets

By any measure, the tax code is huge. It is over 2,000 pages long, and even longer with footnotes.1

And almost weekly, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a 20- to 50-page bulletin about various aspects of the tax code.2

Fortunately, it's not necessary to wade through these massive libraries to get a basic understanding of how income taxes work. Knowing a few key concepts may provide a solid foundation.

One of the key concepts is marginal income tax brackets.

Taxpayers pay the tax rate in a given bracket only for that portion of their overall income that falls within that bracket's range.

Tax Works

Seeing how marginal income tax brackets work is helpful because it shows the progressive nature of income taxes. It also helps you visualize how your total tax rate can be calculated. But remember, this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a tax professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.

How Federal Income Tax Brackets Work

Say a married couple, filing jointly for the 2023 tax year, had a taxable income of $200,000. Each dollar over $190,750 – or $9,250 – would fall into the 24% federal income tax bracket. However, the couple's total federal tax would be $34,800 – about 17.4% of their adjusted gross income.

This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It assumes no tax credits apply.

2023 Federal Income Tax Brackets

Your federal income tax bracket is determined by two factors: your total income and your tax-filing classification.

For the 2023 tax year, there are seven tax brackets for ordinary income – ranging from 10% to 37% – and four classifications: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and head of household.3

1. Investopedia.com, March 8, 2022
2. IRS.gov, 2023
3. IRS.gov, 2023

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

How to Read Your Credit Report

How to Read Your Credit Report

Solve a mystery while learning how important your credit report is with this story-driven interactive.

Tax Efficiency in Retirement

Tax Efficiency in Retirement

What role would taxes play in your investment decisions?

Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?

Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?

There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Breaking Down the Parts of Medicare

Medicare is broken down into four specific parts—but what do they mean? This article will help you understand each piece.

Find That Lost Retirement Account

With over 24 million “forgotten” 401(k) accounts, you may be surprised to learn of your unclaimed “found” money.

Navigating Retirement Pitfalls

Why are they made again and again? Making sense of these errors in judgement.

View all articles

Home Mortgage Deduction

Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

Lifetime of Earnings

Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.

View all calculators

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

View all presentations

The Long Run: Women and Retirement

For women, retirement strategy is a long race. It’s helpful to know the route.

Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now

Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.

A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List

Bucket lists don’t have to be for tomorrow.

View all videos