The 2027 tax brackets are projected to rise about 3.2% to account for inflation. That would push the standard deduction up to $16,600 for single filers and $33,200 for married couples filing jointly, according to projections from Bloomberg Tax and Wolters Kluwer.
The IRS has not published the official numbers yet. It usually does so in late October or early November.
Projected 2027 tax brackets: single filers
| Tax rate | Taxable income (projected 2027) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,800 |
| 12% | $12,801 – $52,025 |
| 22% | $52,026 – $109,125 |
| 24% | $109,126 – $208,325 |
| 32% | $208,326 – $264,550 |
| 35% | $264,551 – $661,375 |
| 37% | Over $661,375 |
Projected 2027 tax brackets: married filing jointly
| Tax rate | Taxable income (projected 2027) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $25,600 |
| 12% | $25,601 – $104,050 |
| 22% | $104,051 – $218,250 |
| 24% | $218,251 – $416,650 |
| 32% | $416,651 – $529,100 |
| 35% | $529,101 – $793,650 |
| 37% | Over $793,650 |
Projections by Wolters Kluwer, published September 18, 2026. Bloomberg Tax's projection for the 12% joint bracket matches. Official IRS figures may differ.
What is the 2027 standard deduction?
| Filing status | 2026 | 2027 (projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,750 | $16,600 |
| Married filing jointly | $31,500 | $33,200 |
| Head of household | — | $24,950 |
Why are the projections uncertain this year?
The IRS adjusts for inflation using an average of the consumer price index over the 12 months ending in August. But the October 2025 CPI was never published, because of a federal funding lapse.
Wolters Kluwer used an 11-month average instead, and says it is unclear how the IRS will handle the missing month. That means the official numbers could come in slightly different from the forecasts.
Inflation has also picked up this year, to 3.7% in September. That is why the projected adjustment of 3.2% is bigger than the 2.7% used for 2026.
What will the 401(k) limit be in 2027?
The IRS sets retirement-plan limits at the same time as the brackets. Benefits consultancy Milliman projected these in August, as reported by 401(k) Specialist:
| Limit | 2026 | 2027 (Milliman projection) |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457 employee contribution | $24,500 | $25,500 (possibly $25,000) |
| Catch-up, age 50+ | $8,000 | $8,500 (possibly $8,000) |
| Super catch-up, ages 60–63 | $11,250 | $11,750 |
| Total annual additions (employee + employer) | $72,000 | $75,000 |
Milliman said the final figures depend on September's inflation data. Prices rose 0.6% that month. Until the IRS publishes its numbers, these remain estimates.
Other 2027 numbers already set
- Social Security wage base: $192,300, up from $184,500 (official, announced October 14).
- Social Security benefits: up 3.6% from January. See our COLA guide.
- Estate tax exclusion: projected at $15.48 million per person by Wolters Kluwer.
What should you do now?
- Don't change your withholding yet. Wait for the official IRS release.
- Plan 401(k) contributions for January. If the limit rises, you may need to raise your paycheck percentage to hit the new maximum.
- Remember these are 2027 brackets. They apply to income earned next year, on returns filed in 2028, not your 2026 return due next April.
Published Monday, October 19, 2026. Figures are projections unless marked official. This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
