Tax Tables

The Internal Revenue Service publishes tax tables as an reference for people who need to look up their income tax when preparing their federal income tax return.

Where to Find the Tax Tables

If you are filling out the Federal Form 1040-EZ, you will find the tax tables located towards the back of the Instructions for Form 1040-EZ. In the 2010 edition of the instructions, the tax tables are located on pages 27 through 35.

If you are filling out the Federal Form 1040-A (the "short form"), you will find the tax tables located towards the back of the Instructions for Form 1040-A. In the 2010 edition of the instructions, the tax tables are located on pages 63 through 74.

If you are filling out the Federal Form 1040 (the "long form"), you can find the tax tables located in the Instructions for Form 1040 (on pages 74 through 85 for the 2010 version).

You can also find the tax tables located in its own separate file called i1040tt. This file contains the same tax tables as the instruction booklets, but in its own separate file.

How to Read the Tax Tables

First, you'll need to know what your "taxable income" is.

• Form 1040-EZ: taxable income is found on Line 6.
• Form 1040-A: taxable income is found on Line 27.
• Form 1040: taxable income is found on Line 43.

You will then scroll down through the columns for taxable income. You will see taxable income group in ranges of $50. Find the range that includes your taxable income. Then scroll to the row to the right of your taxable income. Your federal income tax will be shown by filing status. Use the tax figure that corresponds to your filing status in that row.