What changed

Every update to the rules and figures our calculators use, with its source. When a law or limit changes, it shows up here.

October 8, 2026

Current figures

  • Child tax credit (2026)

    Up to $2,200 per qualifying child ($1,700 of it refundable), reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income over $200,000 ($400,000 married filing jointly).

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Extra standard deduction at 65 or older (2026)

    $1,650 more per person 65 or older if married, $2,050 if single or head of household.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Federal income tax brackets (2026)

    Seven rates, 10% to 37%. Single: 10% to $12,400, 12% to $50,400, 22% to $105,700, 24% to $201,775, 32% to $256,225, 35% to $640,600, then 37%.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Federal poverty guidelines (used for 2026 health coverage and loan plans) (2025)

    $15,650 for one person plus $5,500 for each additional person (48 states and DC; Alaska and Hawaii are higher). 2026 marketplace subsidies use the 2025 guidelines.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Federal standard deduction (2026)

    $16,100 single or married filing separately, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Federal student loan income-driven payments (2026)

    Repayment Assistance Plan (from July 2026): 1% of income for $10,001 to $20,000, rising 1 point per $10,000 to 10% above $100,000, applied to all income, less $50 a month per dependent, at least $10 a month. Income-Based Repayment: 10% (15% for older loans) of income above 150% of the poverty line.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Health insurance subsidy (premium tax credit) (2026)

    You are expected to pay 2.10% to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark silver plan, and the credit covers the rest. Above 400% of the poverty line there is no credit at all ($62,600 for one person in 2026).

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • How much of Social Security is taxed (2026)

    Up to 50% of benefits are taxed once other income plus half of benefits passes $25,000 ($32,000 joint), and up to 85% past $34,000 ($44,000 joint). These amounts are not adjusted for inflation.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Medicare income surcharges (IRMAA) (2026)

    Part B is $202.90 a month in 2026. Each person pays $81.20 to $487.00 more for Part B, and $14.50 to $91.00 more for Part D, once income from two years earlier passes $109,000 ($218,000 joint). One dollar over a line triggers the whole surcharge.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • New deductions for tips, overtime, car-loan interest and seniors (2026)

    For 2025 to 2028: tips up to $25,000 and the overtime premium up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint), reduced by $100 per $1,000 of income over $150,000 ($300,000 joint); new-car loan interest up to $10,000, reduced by $200 per $1,000 over $100,000 ($200,000 joint); $6,000 per person 65 or older, reduced by 6% of income over $75,000 ($150,000 joint). Married couples need a joint return for all but the car-loan deduction.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Past market returns and inflation since 1928

    Yearly returns of US stocks (S&P 500 with dividends) and 10-year Treasury bonds, and inflation, for every year from 1928 to 2025: about 10% a year for stocks, 4.5% for bonds and 3% inflation on average, with bad stretches such as 1929 to 1932, 1973 to 1974 and 2000 to 2002 included.

    Checked October 7, 2026

  • Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes (2026)

    Social Security 6.2% on wages up to $184,500; Medicare 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly, $125,000 married filing separately).

    Checked October 7, 2026

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