Federal Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your federal income tax based on the latest IRS tax brackets. This calculator helps federal employees, military members, and retirees estimate their tax liability.
Do Federal Employees Pay Taxes?
Yes, federal employees pay federal income taxes just like private sector workers. Your salary, bonuses, and most benefits are subject to federal income tax withholding.
Here's what's taxable for federal employees:
- Salary and wages — Fully taxable
- FERS pension — Fully taxable in retirement
- Traditional TSP withdrawals — Fully taxable
- Roth TSP withdrawals — Tax-free (contributions were already taxed)
- FEHB premiums — Pre-tax (reduces your taxable income)
- FSA/HSA contributions — Pre-tax (reduces your taxable income)
Federal employees also pay Social Security tax (6.2%) and Medicare tax (1.45%), plus state income tax if your state has one.
Calculate Your Federal Tax
Federal Tax
$13,614
$1,135/mo
After-Tax Income
$86,386
$7,199/mo
Effective Rate
13.6%
of gross income
Marginal Rate
22.0%
tax bracket
$11,925 taxed at 10%
$36,550 taxed at 12%
$36,525 taxed at 22%
| Rate | Income Range | Your Tax |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | $1,193 |
| 12% | $11,925 – $48,475 | $4,386 |
| 22% | $48,475 – $103,350 | $8,036 |
| 24% | $103,350 – $197,300 | — |
| 32% | $197,300 – $250,525 | — |
| 35% | $250,525 – $626,350 | — |
| 37% | $626,350 – ∞ | — |
| Total Federal Income Tax | $13,614 | |
Understanding Your Tax Rate
Your 13.6% effective rate is what you actually pay. Your 22.0% marginal rate only applies to income in the top bracket. A raise won't "push you into a higher bracket" and make you worse off — only the additional income is taxed at the higher rate.
Federal Employee Tax Considerations
While Working
- ✓TSP contributions reduce your taxable income (Traditional TSP)
- ✓FEHB premiums are pre-tax, lowering your tax bill
- ✓FSA/HSA contributions are pre-tax
- •FERS contribution is post-tax (you already paid tax on it)
In Retirement
- !FERS pension is fully taxable as ordinary income
- !Traditional TSP withdrawals are fully taxable
- ✓Roth TSP withdrawals are tax-free
- ✓No SS/Medicare tax on pension or TSP withdrawals
Retirement tax advantage: Your effective tax rate is often lower in retirement because you no longer pay the 7.65% FICA tax (Social Security + Medicare), and your income is typically lower.
Planning Your Federal Retirement?
See how your pension, TSP, and taxes work together with our retirement calculator.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 federal tax brackets. It does not account for all deductions, credits, or special circumstances. Consult a qualified tax professional for personalized advice.