US Tax Tools & Filing Guides
Free, browser-based calculators and plain-English guides built on 2026 IRS figures. No sign-up, no data collection.
Core Tax Calculators
Start here — the four tools most people need to understand their paycheck and tax bill.
Take-Home Pay Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and pre-tax deductions.
Calculate take-home pay →Federal Tax Bracket Calculator
Find your 2026 marginal rate, effective rate, and a full bracket-by-bracket breakdown of your federal tax.
Find my bracket →Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Calculate the 15.3% self-employment tax on freelance, gig, and 1099 income — plus the deductible half.
Calculate SE tax →Student Loan Interest Deduction
See how much of your student loan interest (up to $2,500) you can deduct, and how much it saves you in taxes.
Calculate my deduction →Planning & Withholding Tools
Fine-tune your withholding, plan quarterly payments, claim the credits you are owed, and compare states.
W-4 Withholding Calculator
Check whether your paycheck withholding is on track for 2026 and see how much to add on W-4 line 4(c).
Check my withholding →Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Work out what self-employed and 1099 workers should pay each quarter — income tax plus self-employment tax.
Calculate quarterly payments →Child Tax Credit & EITC Calculator
Estimate the Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents, see income phase-outs, and check EITC eligibility.
Calculate my credits →State Income Tax Comparison
Compare state income tax for 2026 — the nine no-income-tax states, the highest-tax states, and what you would save.
Compare states →Filing Guides
Not sure how to file, which forms you need, or when your refund arrives? Start here.
How to File Your Taxes
A seven-step walkthrough — who must file, key deadlines, Form 1040, and every free filing option.
Read the guide →Which Tax Forms Do I Need?
Check off what happened in your year and get a personalized list of the forms and documents you need.
Build my checklist →How to Read Your 1098-E
The student loan interest statement, explained — which box matters and how to turn it into a deduction.
Read the guide →Tax Refund Guide
How refunds work, how long they take, how to track yours, and how to stop over-withholding.
Read the guide →From the Tax Blog
Long-form explainers that pair with the calculators above, covering deductions, brackets, self-employment tax, and paycheck withholding.
Student Loan Interest Deduction 2026: How to Claim Up to $2,500
The student loan interest deduction lets you subtract up to $2,500 of interest paid from your taxable income. Learn who qualifies, how the phase-out works, and how to claim it on Form 1040.
Tax Brackets Explained: Marginal vs. Effective Rate (2026)
Your tax bracket is not what you think. Learn the difference between marginal and effective rate, how progressive brackets work, and how to estimate your real federal tax with 2026 figures.
Self-Employment Tax for Freelancers: What You Owe in 2026
Freelancers and 1099 workers pay a 15.3% self-employment tax on top of income tax. Learn how it is calculated, the deductible half, and four ways to lower what you owe.
W-4 and Tax Withholding: Stop the IRS from Keeping Too Much of Your Paycheck
A big tax refund is not a win, it is an interest-free loan to the government. Learn how W-4 withholding works, how to tune it for 2026, and keep more in every paycheck.
Key 2026 Tax Figures Used
| Item | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction — single | $16,100 |
| Standard deduction — married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Standard deduction — head of household | $24,150 |
| Top federal rate | 37% (income above $640,600 single) |
| Social Security wage base | $184,500 |
| Additional Medicare tax threshold | $200,000 single / $250,000 joint |
| Student loan interest deduction cap | $2,500 |
| Self-employment tax rate | 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings |
| 2026 return due date | April 15, 2027 |
Figures reflect the IRS 2026 inflation adjustments (Rev. Proc. 2025-32). Always confirm against the current IRS publications before filing.
Important Dates
- January 15, 2027 — fourth quarter estimated tax payment due
- Late January 2027 — IRS begins accepting returns
- Mid-February 2027 — earliest refunds for EITC and Additional Child Tax Credit claims
- April 15, 2027 — filing deadline and first quarter estimated payment
- October 15, 2027 — extended filing deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
What tax year do these calculators use?
These tools use 2026 tax year figures — the 2026 federal brackets, standard deductions, FICA wage base, and student loan interest deduction phase-outs. Figures are updated annually after the IRS publishes its inflation adjustments.
Are these calculators free?
Yes. Every calculator and guide on ScholarPay is free, requires no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser. Your income and loan figures never leave your device.
Are these results official?
No. These are estimates based on published IRS figures and standard formulas, intended for planning. Your actual liability depends on your full return, credits, and filing details. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice about your specific situation.
Which calculator should I start with?
If you have a job, start with the Take-Home Pay Calculator to see what you actually keep. If you are self-employed, use the Self-Employment Tax and Quarterly Estimated Tax calculators. If you have student loans, start with the Student Loan Interest Deduction calculator.
Last updated: September 2026 · Reviewed by ScholarPay editorial team · General information only — not tax or financial advice.