Historical Tax Rates & Changes
Track the evolution of U.S. federal income tax rates from 2013 to 2026. Understanding historical changes helps you plan for the future.
Tax Reform Timeline
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Era
Major tax reform reducing rates across most brackets. Top rate lowered from 39.6% to 37%. Seven-bracket structure maintained but with different thresholds.
Post-Fiscal Cliff Era
Seven tax brackets with top rate of 39.6%. Standard deduction and bracket thresholds adjusted annually for inflation.
Bush Tax Cuts Period
Lower tax rates established under Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act. Top rate at 35%.
2026 Tax Brackets (Current Year)
Single Filers
Married Filing Jointly
Top Tax Rate History (2013-2026)
| Tax Year | Top Rate | Threshold (Single) | Threshold (MFJ) | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 37% | $626,350+ | $751,600+ | Inflation adjustment |
| 2025 | 37% | $609,350+ | $731,200+ | Standard indexing |
| 2024 | 37% | $609,350+ | $731,200+ | Inflation adjustment |
| 2023 | 37% | $578,125+ | $693,750+ | Significant inflation adjustment |
| 2022 | 37% | $539,900+ | $647,850+ | Inflation adjustment |
| 2021 | 37% | $523,600+ | $628,300+ | Standard indexing |
| 2020 | 37% | $518,400+ | $622,050+ | Inflation adjustment |
| 2019 | 37% | $510,300+ | $612,350+ | Inflation adjustment |
| 2018 | 37% | $500,000+ | $600,000+ | TCJA implemented |
| 2017 | 39.6% | $418,400+ | $470,700+ | Pre-TCJA rates |
| 2016 | 39.6% | $415,050+ | $466,950+ | Standard indexing |
| 2015 | 39.6% | $413,200+ | $464,850+ | Inflation adjustment |
| 2014 | 39.6% | $406,750+ | $457,600+ | Inflation adjustment |
| 2013 | 39.6% | $400,000+ | $450,000+ | American Taxpayer Relief Act |
Standard Deduction History
2018-2026 (Post-TCJA)
2013-2017 (Pre-TCJA)
Note: TCJA nearly doubled standard deductions starting in 2018, significantly reducing the number of taxpayers who itemize.
Major Tax Reform: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)
What Changed in 2018?
✓ Reductions & Benefits
- • Top rate reduced from 39.6% to 37%
- • Standard deduction nearly doubled
- • Most bracket rates lowered by 1-4%
- • Child tax credit increased to $2,000
- • Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) thresholds raised
✗ Eliminations & Limitations
- • Personal exemptions eliminated
- • SALT deduction capped at $10,000
- • Mortgage interest deduction limited
- • Miscellaneous itemized deductions suspended
- • Moving expense deduction eliminated (except military)
Future Outlook: Many TCJA provisions are set to expire after 2025 unless extended by Congress. This could mean significant changes starting in 2026 or beyond.