Tax Bracket Widths by Year
How the dollar range covered by each federal tax bracket grew from 2020 to 2025, as the IRS adjusted thresholds for inflation.
Key findings
- The 10% bracket widened by 20.8% from 2020 to 2025. From $9,875 to $11,925 for single filers, an extra $2,050 taxed at the lowest rate. This is the largest percentage increase of any bracket, reflecting the compounding effect of inflation adjustments on a small base.
- The 22% bracket is the widest in dollar terms. In 2025 it covers $54,875 of income ($48,476–$103,350). This is where most middle-income single filers land, the 22% rate applies to roughly half of a median household's taxable income.
- Bracket widths grow at different rates. Lower brackets (10%, 12%) have grown faster in percentage terms because inflation adjustments compound on a smaller base. The 35% bracket grew by only 20.9% despite covering the largest dollar range ($375,825 in 2025).
- Wider brackets reduce tax liability for everyone. When a bracket widens, more of your income falls into lower-rate brackets. A single filer earning $50,000 in 2020 paid tax on $37,600 above the 12% bracket threshold. In 2025, only $1,525 falls into the 22% bracket, the rest is taxed at 10% or 12%.
| Year | 10% Width | 12% Width | 22% Width | 24% Width | 32% Width | 35% Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $9,875 | $30,250 | $45,400 | $77,775 | $44,050 | $311,050 |
| 2021 | $9,950 | $30,575 | $45,850 | $78,550 | $44,175 | $314,200 |
| 2022 | $10,275 | $31,500 | $47,300 | $80,975 | $45,900 | $323,950 |
| 2023 | $11,000 | $33,725 | $50,650 | $86,725 | $49,125 | $346,875 |
| 2024 | $11,600 | $35,550 | $53,375 | $91,425 | $51,775 | $365,625 |
| 2025 | $11,925 | $36,550 | $54,875 | $94,000 | $53,225 | $375,825 |
Methodology
Bracket widths are calculated as the difference between consecutive bracket thresholds for single filers. For example, the 2025 12% bracket width is $48,475 − $11,925 = $36,550. The IRS sets these thresholds annually via Revenue Procedures, using the Chained Consumer Price Index (C-CPI-U). Wider brackets mean more income is taxed at lower rates, reducing effective tax burden even when marginal rates stay the same. Use the Bracket Comparison Tool to see how bracket changes affect your tax bill across years.