https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/taxes/income-tax-brackets-2026-bbd1863d?mod=djemalertNEWS
The 2026 Tax Brackets Are Here. See Where You Land.
Inflation adjustments and the new tax law will combine to give taxpayers more relief
By Ashlea Ebeling, The Wall Street Journal, Oct. 9, 2025
Income brackets for 2026 taxes are increasing, with a 4% inflation adjustment for the lowest two brackets and 2.3% for the higher brackets.
The standard deduction rises to $16,100 for individuals in 2026, up from $15,750. For married couples who file jointly, it is $32,200, up from $31,500.
Additional Standard Deduction for Age (per person): $1,600 × 2 = $3,200
New Senior Deduction (per person): Up to $6,000 × 2 = $12,000
mImportant Note on the New Senior Deduction: The new $12,000 (for a couple) senior deduction begins to phase out if the couple’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is over $150,000 and is completely phased out if their MAGI reaches $250,000.
Capital-gains rate
The income thresholds for paying capital-gains tax at various rates are also indexed for inflation. Some taxpayers can sell appreciated stock and snag a 0% capital-gains tax rate. For 2026, the 0% rate applies to single filers with taxable income up to $49,450 and joint-filing couples with incomes up to $98,900.
Lots of other rules but that’s the gist in a nutshell.
Wendy