Understanding Federal Income Tax: What It Is, Who Pays, and How to Calculate It

Federal income tax (FIT) is a crucial component of the U.S. tax system, serving as the primary source of revenue for the federal government. This tax is levied on the annual earnings of individuals, businesses, trusts, and other legal entities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of federal income tax, including who pays it, how it’s calculated, and the differences between federal and state taxes.

What is Federal Income Tax?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for collecting federal income tax, which applies to all earnings that contribute to a taxpayer’s taxable income. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and interest earned on savings accounts. The revenue generated from federal income tax is used to fund various government programs and services, such as:

• Building and repairing infrastructure
• Improving education and public transportation
• Providing disaster relief
• Contributing to social security programs
• Funding major health insurance programs like Medicare
• Supporting the pension and benefits of government workers

Who Pays Federal Income Tax?

All U.S. citizens and residents are subject to federal income tax. However, not everyone is required to file a tax return, as this depends on factors such as total income and employment status. For most employees, federal income tax is withheld from their wages by their employers, who use Form W-4 and other relevant documentation to determine the appropriate amount to withhold. Self-employed individuals, on the other hand, must file an annual return and pay estimated taxes quarterly.

Income Tax for Remote Workers

Remote work can take place on both national and international levels, and the tax implications can be complex. For international remote workers, income tax responsibilities are determined by factors such as the type of remote worker, the existence of tax partnerships, and local tax liabilities. Within the U.S., remote workers pay taxes based on where they physically work, rather than where their employers are located. U.S. citizens living abroad should also consider foreign tax credits, foreign earned income exclusion, foreign housing exclusion and deductions, and U.S. tax treaties when determining their tax obligations.

Calculating Federal Income Tax

Federal income tax rates are calculated using a progressive tax system, meaning that the tax rate increases as taxable income rises, according to marginal tax rates. To determine your tax bracket, consider how many individual tax brackets overlap based on your gross income. For the 2022 tax year, the federal income tax brackets are as follows:

• 10%:
  • Single: $0 – $10,275
  • Head of household: $0 – $14,650
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying widow: $0 – $20,550
  • Married filing separately: $0 – $10,275
• 12%:
  • Single: $10,276 – $41,775
  • Head of household: $14,651 – $55,900
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying widow: $20,551 – $83,550
  • Married filing separately: $10,276 – $41,775
• 22%:
  • Single: $41,776 – $89,075
  • Head of household: $55,901 – $89,050
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying widow: $83,551 – $178,150
  • Married filing separately: $41,776 – $89,075
• 24%:
  • Single: $89,076 – $170,050
  • Head of household: $89,051 – $170,050
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying widow: $178,151 – $340,100
  • Married filing separately: $89,076 – $170,050
• 32%:
  • Single: $170,051 – $215,950
  • Head of household: $170,051 – $215,950
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying widow: $340,101 – $431,900
  • Married filing separately: $170,051 – $215,950
• 35%:
  • Single: $215,951 – $539,900
  • Head of household: $215,951 – $539,900
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying widow: $431,901 – $647,850
  • Married filing separately: $215,951 – $323,925
• 37%:
  • Single: $539,901 or more
  • Head of household: $539,901 or more
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying widow: $647,851 or more
  • Married filing separately: $323,926 or more

Note that the filing deadline for these taxes is April 2023, or October 2023 with an extension.

Tax Deductions and Credits

Single filers, families, and corporations can reduce their tax burden by taking advantage of tax credits and deductions.

• Tax credits lower the amount of tax owed and are used by the government to incentivize job creation, job retention, new capital investment, and more. For example, the child tax credit helps offset the cost of child care.
• Tax deductions reduce the actual tax bill by lowering the amount owed on your federal tax return. When your deductions exceed the standard deduction for your filing status, itemized expenses become itemized deductions and reduce your taxable income.

Federal vs. State Tax

In addition to federal income tax, most states also levy a state income tax, with rates varying from state to state. The main difference between federal and state taxes lies in where the funds are allocated—to the federal government or the state government.Currently, seven states do not withhold state income tax:

• Alaska
• Florida
• Nevada
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Washington
• Wyoming

The total tax that appears on an individual’s pay stub includes federal income tax, payroll taxes, and state income taxes (where applicable).By understanding the intricacies of federal income tax, including who pays it, how it’s calculated, and the various deductions and credits available, taxpayers can better navigate the U.S. tax system and ensure they are meeting their tax obligations while maximizing their financial benefits.