The 2025-26 tax season is upon us. With considerable tax changes, fading policies, new deductions, and updated limits, staying on top of your taxes can feel overwhelming.
Our 2025/2026 Quick Tax Reference Guide has been designed with an aim to provide business owners and CPAs all the essential numbers and deadlines in one place. From standard mileage rates and retirement contribution limits to income tax brackets, Medicare premiums, and estate planning thresholds, you’ll find everything you need to make informed decisions, reduce risk, and plan strategically.
Whether you’re a business owner planning corporate filings, a high-net-worth individual preparing for personal taxes, or an accounting professional looking for a quick reference, this simple and easy-to-use resource is designed to give you a clear picture of what’s ahead.
Think of it as your roadmap for 2025/2026 taxes — it will save your time, help you avoid mistakes, and seize opportunities for maximum tax saving.
[Note: This guide is based on official U.S. federal tax data for 2025/2026 from IRS, SSA, and CMS sources. We just intend to present it in a practical, easy-to-use format for businesses and individuals.]
Filing Deadlines for 2025 Tax Returns
Staying on top of filing deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties. This table summarizes the due dates for various returns, including extensions where applicable, so you can plan your filings efficiently.
| Type of Return (Calendar Year) | Due Date | Extended Due Date |
| Employees – Form W-2* | February 2 | March 2 |
| Recipient – Form 1099-NEC** | February 2 | N/A |
| Recipient – Form 1099-MISC*** | February 17 | March 17 |
| Partnerships, LLCs – Form 1065**** | March 16 | September 15 |
| S Corporations – Form 1120S**** | March 16 | September 15 |
| Estates and Trusts – Form 1041***** | April 15 | October 1 |
| FBAR – FinCen Form 114 | April 15 | October 15 |
| Corporations – Form 1120 | April 15 | October 15 |
| Individuals – Form 1040 | April 15 | October 15 |
| Exempt Organizations – Form 990 | May 15 | Nov 16 |
| Employee Benefit Plans – Form 5500 | Jul 31 | Oct 15 |
* W-2 due to employee and SSA
** Non-employee compensation
*** Other payments
**** Also applies to Schedules K-1, K-2, K-3 for equity holders
***** File Form 7004 for automatic 5½-month extension
Individual Tax Rate Schedules
Understanding your tax brackets is essential for accurate planning. The following tables break down the 2025–2026 rates for different filing statuses to help you calculate your potential tax liability.
2025
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate / Tax Calculation |
| Not over $23,850 | 10% of taxable income |
| $23,850 – $96,950 | $2,385 + 12% of the amount over $23,850 |
| $96,950 – $206,700 | $11,157 + 22% of the amount over $96,950 |
| $206,700 – $394,600 | $35,302 + 24% of the amount over $206,700 |
| $394,600 – $501,050 | $80,398 + 32% of the amount over $394,600 |
| $501,050 – $751,600 | $114,462 + 35% of the amount over $501,050 |
| Over $751,600 | $202,154.50 + 37% of the amount over $751,600 |
2026
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate / Tax Calculation |
| Not over $24,800 | 10% of taxable income |
| $24,800 – $100,800 | $2,480 + 12% of the amount over $24,800 |
| $100,800 – $211,400 | $11,600 + 22% of the amount over $100,800 |
| $211,400 – $403,500 | $35,932 + 24% of the amount over $211,400 |
| $403,500 – $512,450 | $82,048 + 32% of the amount over $403,500 |
| $512,450 – $768,700 | $116,896 + 35% of the amount over $512,450 |
| Over $768,700 | $206,583.50 + 37% of the amount over $768,700 |
Head of Household
For 2025:
| Taxable Income | Tax |
| Not over $17,000 | 10% |
| $17,001–$64,850 | $1,700 + 12% over $17,000 |
| $64,851–$103,350 | $7,442 + 22% over $64,850 |
| $103,351–$197,300 | $15,912 + 24% over $103,350 |
| $197,301–$250,500 | $38,460 + 32% over $197,300 |
| $250,501–$626,350 | $55,484 + 35% over $250,500 |
| Over $626,350 | $187,031.50 + 37% over $626,350 |
2026:
| Taxable Income | Tax |
| Not over $17,700 | 10% |
| $17,701–$67,450 | $1,770 + 12% over $17,700 |
| $67,451–$105,700 | $7,740 + 22% over $67,450 |
| $105,701–$201,750 | $16,155 + 24% over $105,700 |
| $201,751–$256,200 | $39,207 + 32% over $201,750 |
| $256,201–$640,600 | $56,631 + 35% over $256,200 |
| Over $640,600 | $191,171.50 + 37% over $640,600 |
Unmarried Individuals (Single)
2025:
| Taxable Income | Tax |
| Not over $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,926–$48,475 | $1,192.50 + 12% over $11,925 |
| $48,476–$103,350 | $5,578.50 + 22% over $48,475 |
| $103,351–$197,300 | $17,651 + 24% over $103,350 |
| $197,301–$250,525 | $40,199 + 32% over $197,300 |
| $250,526–$626,350 | $57,231 + 35% over $250,525 |
| Over $626,350 | $181,769.75 + 37% over $626,350 |
For 2026:
| Taxable Income | Tax |
| Not over $12,400 | 10% |
| $12,401–$50,400 | $1,240 + 12% over $12,400 |
| $50,401–$105,700 | $5,800 + 22% over $50,400 |
| $105,701–$201,775 | $17,966 + 24% over $105,700 |
| $201,776–$256,225 | $41,024 + 32% over $201,775 |
| $256,226–$640,600 | $58,448 + 35% over $256,225 |
| Over $640,600 | $192,979.25 + 37% over $640,600 |
Married Filing Separately
For 2025:
| Taxable Income | Tax |
| Not over $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,926–$48,475 | $1,192.50 + 12% over $11,925 |
| $48,476–$103,350 | $5,578.50 + 22% over $48,475 |
| $103,351–$197,300 | $17,651 + 24% over $103,350 |
| $197,301–$250,525 | $40,199 + 32% over $197,300 |
| $250,526–$375,800 | $57,231 + 35% over $250,525 |
| Over $375,800 | $101,077.25 + 37% over $375,800 |
For 2026:
| Taxable Income | Tax |
| Not over $12,400 | 10% |
| $12,401–$50,400 | $1,240 + 12% over $12,400 |
| $50,401–$105,700 | $5,800 + 22% over $50,400 |
| $105,701–$201,775 | $17,966 + 24% over $105,700 |
| $201,776–$256,225 | $41,024 + 32% over $201,775 |
| $256,226–$384,350 | $58,228 + 35% over $256,225 |
| Over $384,350 | $103,291.75 + 37% over $384,350 |
Social Security & Self-Employment Tax Limits
Social Security and Medicare taxes have annual limits. They can impact your contributions and planning. This table highlights the 2025–2026 thresholds for both employees and self-employed individuals.
| Tax | 2025 | 2026 |
| OASDI wage base | $176,100 | $184,500 |
| HI wage base | No limit | No limit |
| SECA OASDI earning base | $176,100 | $184,500 |
| SECA HI | No limit | No limit |
Additional 0.9% Medicare Tax applies over certain thresholds.
Retirement Contribution Limits
Maximize your contributions to reduce taxable income and boost long-term savings. The following table shows 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE, and IRA limits, including catch-up provisions for those 50 and older.
401(k), 403(b), 457, and SIMPLE Plans
For 2025:
| Plan Type | Elective Deferral Limit | Catch-up Contribution (Age 50+) |
| §401(k) | $23,500 | $7,500 |
| §403(b) | $23,500 | $7,500 |
| §457 | $23,500 | $7,500 |
| SIMPLE | $16,500 | $3,500 |
For 2026:
| Plan Type | Elective Deferral Limit | Catch-up Contribution (Age 50+) |
| §401(k) | $24,500 | $8,000 |
| §403(b) | $24,500 | $8,000 |
| §457 | $24,500 | $8,000 |
| SIMPLE | $17,000 | $4,000 |
Traditional and Roth IRA
This table outlines 2025–2026 figures for both traditional and Roth accounts, including catch-up contributions for those 50 and older.
For 2025:
| Account Type | Contribution Limit | Catch-up Contribution (Age 50+) | Phase-out Range (Modified AGI) |
| Traditional IRA – Married Filing Jointly, participant in employer plan | $7,000 | $1,000 | $126,000 – $146,000 |
| Traditional IRA – Married Filing Jointly, spouse in employer plan | $7,000 | $1,000 | $236,000 – $246,000 |
| Traditional IRA – Single / Head of Household | $7,000 | $1,000 | $79,000 – $89,000 |
| Roth IRA – Married Filing Jointly | $7,000 | $1,000 | $236,000 – $246,000 |
| Roth IRA – Married Filing Separately | $7,000 | $1,000 | $0 – $10,000 |
| Roth IRA – Single / Head of Household | $7,000 | $1,000 | $150,000 – $165,000 |
For 2026:
| Account Type | Contribution Limit | Catch-up Contribution (Age 50+) | Phase-out Range (Modified AGI) |
| Traditional IRA – Married Filing Jointly, participant in employer plan | $7,500 | $1,100 | $129,000 – $149,000 |
| Traditional IRA – Married Filing Jointly, spouse in employer plan | $7,500 | $1,100 | $242,000 – $252,000 |
| Traditional IRA – Single / Head of Household | $7,500 | $1,100 | $81,000 – $91,000 |
| Roth IRA – Married Filing Jointly | $7,500 | $1,100 | $242,000 – $252,000 |
| Roth IRA – Married Filing Separately | $7,500 | $1,100 | $0 – $10,000 |
| Roth IRA – Single / Head of Household | $7,500 | $1,100 | $153,000 – $168,000 |
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) & Standard Deductions
AMT and standard deductions can affect your overall tax liability. Use this reference to see the 2025–2026 thresholds and plan your filings with confidence.
AMT Exemption Amounts (2025-2026)
| Filing Status | 2025 AMT Exemption | 2026 AMT Exemption |
| Married Filing Jointly | $137,000 | $140,200 |
| Single / Head of Household | $88,100 | $90,100 |
| Married Filing Separately | $68,500 | $70,100 |
| Estates & Trusts | $30,700 | $31,400 |
Standard Deduction Amounts (2025-2026)
| Filing Status | 2025 Standard Deduction | 2026 Standard Deduction |
| Married Filing Jointly | $25,100 | $25,900 |
| Head of Household | $18,800 | $19,200 |
| Single | $12,950 | $13,150 |
| Married Filing Separately | $12,550 | $12,700 |
New Tax Deductions Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025–2028)
Recent legislation introduces new deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and child tax credits. This table outlines eligibility, limits, and income phase-outs to help identify potential savings.
| Deduction Type | Who Can Claim It | Maximum Deduction | Income Phase-Out (MAGI) | Key Notes |
| Qualified Tips Deduction | Employees and self-employed individuals in occupations that customarily receive tips | Up to $25,000 per year | Begins at $150,000 (Single) / $300,000 (MFJ) | Applies to tips reported on W-2, 1099, or Form 4137; deduction limited to business income for self-employed |
| Qualified Overtime Pay Deduction | Employees earning eligible overtime compensation | $12,500 (Single) $25,000 (MFJ) | Begins at $150,000 (Single) / $300,000 (MFJ) | Covers the “premium” portion of overtime pay above regular wages |
| Senior Deduction (Age 65+) | Taxpayers age 65 or older at year-end | $6,000 per eligible individual (Up to $12,000 for married couples) | Begins at $75,000 (Single) / $150,000 (MFJ) | Available in addition to the standard deduction; no itemizing required |
| Child Tax Credit | Taxpayers with qualifying children under age 17 | Up to $2,200 per qualifying child | Begins at $200,000 (Single/HoH) / $400,000 (MFJ) | Partially refundable (up to $1,700 per child in 2025); eligibility requires valid SSNs for taxpayer and child |
Other Key Tax Changes to Know (2025–2028)
Tax rules evolve continuously, and certain provisions may create new opportunities or affect your tax planning strategies. Use this table to understand key changes, limits, and the years they apply.
| Provision | Who Benefits | Amount / Limit | Years Applicable | Key Notes |
| SALT Deduction Cap Increase | Itemizing taxpayers in high-tax states | Up to $40,000 (previously $10,000) | 2025–2028 | Applies to combined state and local income and property taxes |
| Auto Loan Interest Deduction | Taxpayers with qualified personal-use auto loans | Up to $10,000 | 2025–2028 | Applies only to qualifying vehicles; income limits and financing rules apply |
These provisions do not apply universally and may require itemization or specific eligibility criteria.
Important Planning Notes
- New deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act apply for tax years 2025 through 2028.
- Tips, overtime, and senior deductions may be claimed even without itemizing.
- SALT and auto loan interest benefits generally apply only to itemizing taxpayers.
- Phase-outs apply gradually once MAGI exceeds threshold amounts.
- Accurate income and employer reporting is essential to avoid disallowance.
Why This Guide Matters
This 2025–2026 Quick Tax Reference Guide is designed to help you stay organized, confident, and prepared — whether you’re filing individual returns, managing business obligations, or advising clients through another demanding tax season.
By understanding the numbers and the deductions available, you can avoid mistakes and make tax-saving decisions ahead of deadlines.
Use this guide as a practical planning tool throughout the year, not just during filing season. When used proactively, it can help turn tax compliance into an opportunity for better financial control and informed decision-making.
For personalized tax planning and compliance support, reach out to KnowVisory Global’s tax experts today. With 15+ years of experience and proven expertise, we can help you navigate the complex tax season with clarity and confidence. Contact us to plan smarter and save more on your taxes.
