User Guide

How to Use

1

Select Tax Year & Status

Start by choosing between 2025 (current laws) and 2026 (post-TCJA expiration). Then, enter your filing status (Single or Married Filing Jointly) to load the correct standard deduction and tax brackets.

2

Input Personal Details

Specify if you or your spouse are 65 or older or blind, as this increases your standard deduction. The tool automatically calculates your total deduction baseline before any income is added.

3

Add Income Streams

Add your income sources. The order matters for "stacking":

  • Ordinary Income (W2, Pensions, IRA withdrawals) fills the bottom brackets first.
  • Long-Term Capital Gains sit on top of ordinary income and enjoy preferential rates (0%, 15%, 20%).

4

Analyze & Optimize

Review the Tax Summary to see your Effective Tax Rate. Use the "Optimization Insights" to see how much room is left in your current tax bracket potentially allowing for tax-free Roth conversions or capital gain harvesting.