The IRS quietly released new tax brackets for 2026. Some Americans will save thousands while others won't be so lucky

Core Insights - The IRS has updated tax brackets for 2026, which is significant for all U.S. taxpayers despite the recent government shutdown and furlough of IRS employees [1][2]. Tax Bracket Adjustments - The IRS has increased tax brackets by approximately 2.7% for 2026, which is a modest adjustment compared to the 7% increase in 2023 and 5.4% in 2024 due to inflation [4]. - The upper limit of the lowest tax bracket (10%) has risen from $11,925 in 2025 to $12,400 in 2026, reflecting a 3.9% increase [5]. - The threshold for the top marginal tax rate (37%) has increased from $626,351 to $640,601, marking a smaller increase of 2.3% [5]. New Income Tax Brackets for Individuals - The updated income tax brackets for individual filers are as follows: - 10%: $0—$12,400 - 12%: $12,401—$50,400 - 22%: $50,401—$105,700 - 24%: $105,701—$201,775 - 32%: $201,776—$256,225 - 35%: $256,225—$640,600 - 37%: $640,601 and up [7]. New Income Tax Brackets for Married Couples Filing Jointly - The updated income tax brackets for married couples filing jointly are as follows: - 10%: $0—$24,800 (up from $23,850 in 2025, a 3.9% increase) - 12%: $24,801—$100,800 - 22%: $100,801—$211,100 - 24%: $211,401—$403,550 - 32%: $403,551—$512,450 - 35%: $512,451—$768,700 - 37%: $768,701 and up (up from $751,601, a 2.3% increase) [8].