Business & Finance Taxes

2009 Federal Income Tax Rates

Below are the marginal tax brackets for 2009. Tax rates progressively increase as income increases. The tax rates apply only to the income in each tax bracket range. Also, the tax rates apply only to taxable income. Various adjustments and deductions, including the standard deduction and personal exemptions, all lower a person's taxable income. Taxable income is almost always less than your total income.

Capital gains may be taxed at different tax rates. Capital gains tax rates are calculated separately.

Note: These tax rate schedules are provided for tax planning purposes. To compute your actual income tax, please see the 2009 instructions from the IRS for Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ as appropriate.

Single Filing Status

(Tax Rate Schedule X)
  • 10% on income between $0 and $8,350
  • 15% on the income between $8,350 and $33,950; plus $835
  • 25% on the income between $33,950 and $82,250; plus $4,675
  • 28% on the income between $82,250 and $171,550; plus $16,750
  • 33% on the income between $171,550 and $372,950; plus $41,754
  • 35% on the income over $372,950; plus $108,216

Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er) Filing Status

(Tax Rate Schedule Y-1)
  • 10% on the income between $0 and $16,700
  • 15% on the income between $16,700 and $67,900; plus $1,670
  • 25% on the income between $67,900 and $137,050; plus $9,350
  • 28% on the income between $137,050 and $208,850; plus $26,637.50
  • 33% on the income between $208,850 and $372,950; plus $46,741.50


  • 35% on the income over $372,950; plus $100,894.50

Married Filing Separately Filing Status

(Tax Rate Schedule Y-2)
  • 10% on the income between $0 and $8,350
  • 15% on the income between $8,350 and $33,950; plus $835
  • 25% on the income between $33,950 and $68,525; plus $4,675
  • 28% on the income between $68,525 and $104,425; plus $13,318.75
  • 33% on the income between $104,425 and $186,475; plus $23,370.75
  • 35% on the income over $186,475; plus $50,447.25

Head of Household Filing Status

(Tax Rate Schedule Z)
  • 10% on the income between $0 and $11,950
  • 15% on the income between $11,950 and $45,500; plus $1,195
  • 25% on the income between $45,500 and $117,450; plus $6,227.50
  • 28% on the income between $117,450 and $190,200; plus $24,215
  • 33% on the income between $190,200 and $372,950; plus $44,585
  • 35% on the income over $372,950; plus $104,892.50

How Marginal Tax Rates are Used


Individuals can use the tax rate schedules in a number of ways to help plan their finances. You can use these tax rates to figure out how much tax you will pay on extra income you earn. For a taxpayer in the 25% tax bracket, extra income will be taxed at that rate until the taxpayer reaches the next tax bracket. Alternatively, you can use these tax rates to figure out how much tax you will save by increasing your deductions. For a taxpayer in the 28% tax bracket will save 28 cents in federal tax for every dollar spent on a tax-deductible expense, such as mortgage interest or charity.

Source: Internal Revenue Service, Revenue Procedure 2008-66 (pdf).

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