Only Slight Changes to Federal Income Tax Brackets for Returns Due April 2025
2024 bracket thresholds adjust for inflation with modest rate shifts
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 set the current seven-bracket system. For tax year 2024 (returns due April 15, 2025), the IRS made only inflation-driven tweaks. North Carolina taxpayers should review these updated thresholds to fine-tune withholding and avoid surprises at filing time.
2024 federal income tax brackets
Income is taxed at progressively higher rates based on filing status. Each bracket’s top threshold rose slightly from 2023 levels. Here are the ceilings for tax year 2024:
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Married Filing Separately | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 % | $11,600 | $23,200 | $11,600 | $16,550 |
| 12 % | $47,150 | $94,300 | $47,150 | $63,100 |
| 22 % | $100,525 | $201,050 | $100,525 | $100,500 |
| 24 % | $191,950 | $383,900 | $191,950 | $191,950 |
| 32 % | $231,250 | $462,500 | $231,250 | $231,250 |
| 35 % | $578,125 | $693,750 | $346,875 | $578,100 |
| 37 % | $578,126 + | $693,751 + | $346,876 + | $578,101 + |
Standard deduction for 2024
- Single & Married Filing Separately: $14,600
- Married Filing Jointly: $29,200
- Head of Household: $21,900
Estimating your tax liability
Your effective tax rate will be lower than your marginal bracket since lower slices of income are taxed at lower rates. Use IRS Publication 505 or North Carolina withholding tables to calculate estimated payments or adjust your state W-4 through your employer.
North Carolina reminders
- Review NC-4 withholding allowances and update your employer before year end
- NC Department of Revenue: forms, filing guidance and withholding calculators ncdor.gov
- IRS resources: federal forms and instructions at irs.gov
- Free tax help: VITA sites in many NC counties for taxpayers earning under $60,000
Bracket ceilings rose modestly for inflation in 2024. Staying informed lets you optimize withholding, avoid underpayments and keep more of each dollar you earn.