IRS Announces 2026 Tax Adjustments Including Higher Standard Deductions and Bracket Thresholds

The Internal Revenue Service has unveiled inflation-adjusted tax changes for 2026 that may reduce liabilities for millions of taxpayers. Single filers will see standard deductions rise to $16,100 while married couples filing jointly get $32,200—a 2.2% increase across categories.

Marginal rate brackets shift upward, with the 22% tier now applying to single earners making $50,401-$105,700 versus the prior $48,476-$103,350 range. The 12% bracket for joint filers climbs to $24,801-$100,800. These adjustments reflect persistent inflationary pressures in the economy.

Notably unchanged are personal exemption policies and itemized deduction rules. The revisions extend to estate tax credits, capital gains thresholds, and employer childcare benefits—technical modifications that collectively put more dollars back in taxpayers' pockets.