Estimated Federal Income Tax Rate in Retirement

This is the federal tax rate you expect to pay on taxable income while taking withdrawals. How your tax rate in retirement compares to your tax rate while contributing could be the most important factor in determining whether to choose a Roth or traditional 401(k)/403(b) account. The table below may help you estimate your tax bracket in retirement.

Keep in mind that retirement plan withdrawals are treated as ordinary income, so taxable withdrawals — especially a lump-sum withdrawal — may push you into a higher tax bracket. Tax brackets and rates may change in the future. The analyzer applies the tax rate you enter to all taxable income in retirement.

Federal income tax brackets for 2023*

Tax rate

Married, filing jointly
or qualified widow(er)

Single

Head of household

Married, filing separately

10%

$0–$22,000

$0–$11,000

$0–$15,700

$0–$11,000

12%

$22,001-$89,450

$11,001-$44,725

$15,701-$59,850

$11,001-$44,725

22%

$89,451-$190,750

$44,726-$95,375

$59,851-$95,350

$44,726-$95,375

24%

$190,751-$364,200

$95,376-$182,100

$95,351-$182,100

$95,376-$182,100

32%

$364,201-$462,500

$182,101-$231,250

$182,101-$231,250

$182,101-$231,250

35%

$462,501-$693,750

$231,251-$578,125

$231,251-$578,100

$231,251-$346,875

37%

$693,751 and over

$578,126 and over

$578,101 and over

$346,876 and over

 

*This information is subject to change by the IRS.