If you are married and filing jointly in 2026, your main focus should be on how to keep as much of your income as possible. Originally, the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act was set to expire in 2025. But the One Big Beautiful Bill changes the story. It has been extended and made permanent, which means that many tax rates will remain unchanged. Many families remain concerned about how this will affect their 2026 income tax bills.
For married couples filing jointly, this would mean narrower tax brackets and higher tax rates, especially for middle-class families. However, understanding these changes will help you plan, avoid mistakes, and maximize your savings.
What are the 2026 tax brackets for married filing jointly? Let’s break down the tax rate changes that 2026 brings, along with the projected 2026 tax rates for couples.
The bigger picture: what’s changing in 2026?
If you are planning to file jointly as a couple, these are the few significant tax changes that 2026 brings that you should be aware of.
Tax rates are projected to increase for some brackets, such as the 22% bracket, which could rise to 25%, and the 24% bracket, which could increase to 28%. This means married couples with middle incomes will see a significant change in their tax bills.
Some say the standard deductions for married couples in 2026 will increase to $32,000, which was up $30,000 in 2025.
The projected 2026 income tax rates for couples
| Tax Rate | Taxable income range for Married couples | What it means |
| 10% | $0 – $23,850 | The lowest bracket for part-time workers, retirees, and couples with modest incomes. |
| 12% | $23,851 – $96,950 | The most common bracket for families with two incomes. |
| 22% | $96,951 – $206,700 | A large bracket that catches many middle-class couples filing jointly. However, careful planning can help you keep more of your income. |
| 24% | $206,701 – $394,600 | This is where the Tax Cuts % Jobs Act matters, without which the tax rate would increase to 28%. |
| 32% | $394,601 – $501,050 | Most of the upper-middle-class couples fall into this category and often phase out of credits. |
| 35% | $501,051 – $751,600 | For upper-class earners with complex financial incomes and investment strategies. |
| 37% | $751,601 & above | The top brackets where couples often combine investment income with their wages. |
Standard deductions in 2026
For married couples filing jointly, the standard deduction is one of the most significant tax benefits they can claim. In 2026, the standard deduction is projected to increase to $32,200 for married couples.
Moreover, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption is expected to increase to $140,200 in 2026 for couples.
These changes will affect how much your income is taxed and how much you can keep as untaxed income after deductions.
What married couples should plan!
Here’s how you can prepare for 2026 as a married couple filing jointly:
- Understand your tax bracket and effective tax rate.
- Manage your brackets wisely, as some extra income can push you into higher income tax brackets. In such a situation, effective retirement plans can help lower your tax brackets.
- Update your W-4 with your employer as you are filing jointly with your spouse.
- If your itemized deductions include charity, retirement, medical expenses, mortgage interests, and credits that exceed your standard deductions, you might like to do itemized deductions.
- Tax Brackets for wages and capital gains are different. Tax rates are usually lower for long-term investments.
Tax Rates by Filing Status
Here are the estimated tax brackets for 2026 by filing status:
| Tax rates | Single filers | Head of household |
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | $0 – $17,000 |
| 12% | $11,925 – $48,475 | $17,000 – $64,850 |
| 22% | $48,475 – $103,350 | $64,850 – $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,350 – $197,300 | $103,350 – $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,300 – $250,525 | $197,300 – $250,500 |
| 35% | $250,525 – $626,350 | $250,500 – $626,350 |
| 37% | $626,350 & above | $626,350 and more |
For married filing separately, the tax rates are the same as those for single filers, but the income thresholds are half those for the married filing jointly category.
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Final tips for couples filing jointly
As the 2026 tax season approaches, couples filing jointly should stay aware of the upcoming changes in tax rates. Although the OBBB has extended the TCJA, some provisions can alter the tax brackets. Knowing these changes will help you plan tax strategies to maximize your deductions and minimize your taxable income. At H&M Tax Group, our tax advisors help couples navigate these tax challenges. Our experts monitor the updated changes and IRS rules and assist with effective strategies to prepare early.
