As we start thinking about our tax position in 2024, with only four months left in the year, it is vital to comprehend the IRS tax brackets for individual taxpayers in order to do effective tax planning. The IRS tax brackets indicates how much tax is paid from each dollar earned thus determining the total amount of taxes paid. Every year, these brackets can change to cater for inflation, so being aware of the current limits and percentages is necessary.
IRS tax brackets 2024 for single filers
For the tax year 2024, the IRS tax brackets for single filers is updated as shown in the table below:
| Tax rate | Taxable income from | Up to |
| 10% | $0 | $11,000 |
| 12% | $11,001 | $44,725 |
| 22% | $44,726 | $95,375 |
| 24% | $95,376 | $182,100 |
| 32% | $182,101 | $231,250 |
| 35% | $231,251 | $578,125 |
| 37% | $578,126 | And up |
Calculating your tax liability
To know your tax liability, you need to apply these brackets progressively. Here’s a step-by-step process to assist you in calculating your taxes:
- Determine your taxable income: The taxable income can be described as the whole income less exemptions and deductible expenses. Some of the commonly used deductions are itemized deductions or standard deductions (for single taxpayers, this is $13,850 in 2024).
- Apply the bracket rates: Calculate your tax based on each portion of your income that falls within each bracket.
For example, if your taxable income is $50,000:
10% Bracket: The first $11,000 is taxed at 10%, totaling $1,100.
12% Bracket: The income between $11,000 and $44,725 is taxed at 12%, totaling $4,029 ([$44,725 – $11,000] x 12%).
22% Bracket: The income between $44,725 and $50,000 is taxed at 22%, totaling $1,165.50 ([$50,000 – $44,725] x 22%).
- Adding these amounts gives a total tax liability of $6,294.50.
- Consider additional taxes and credits: You should factor in other tax obligations such as self-employed taxes and possible credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Education Credits where applicable.
Strategies to manage your tax liability
When you understand your tax brackets, it can help you to plan and potentially reduce your tax liability. Here are a few strategies to assist you:
- Maximize deductions and credits: Make sure that you leverage on all available deductions and credits so as to lessen your taxable income. Deductions that are often taken into account include, but are not limited to, contributions made towards retirement plans and also paying off student loan interests.
- Adjust withholding: In case you discover that you have an important amount due during tax period, it might be worthwhile to change your withholding allowances on W-4. So doing may see more tax deducted from each salary check across the year thus avoiding huge tax debts at once.
- Explore Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Taxable income can be reduced by contributing to tax-advantageous accounts such as IRAs or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This will also help you obtain additional tax benefits.
Future tax planning
IRS tax brackets and rate changes can help you understand how to plan your finances. It is important to follow these changes every year as it will help you get ready and make adjustments where necessary. In addition, a tax professional could give personal advice due to their familiarity with your finances.
