2019 Tax Calculator
Calculate your federal income tax for tax year 2019 with our accurate and up-to-date tool
Your 2019 Tax Results
Comprehensive Guide: How to Calculate Your 2019 Taxes
The 2019 tax year introduced several important changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that remained in effect. Understanding how to calculate your 2019 taxes correctly can help you maximize your refund or minimize what you owe. This guide covers everything from tax brackets to deductions and credits available for the 2019 tax year.
2019 Federal Income Tax Brackets
The IRS uses a progressive tax system with seven tax brackets for 2019. Your taxable income determines which brackets apply to portions of your income:
| Filing Status | 10% | 12% | 22% | 24% | 32% | 35% | 37% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $0 – $9,700 | $9,701 – $39,475 | $39,476 – $84,200 | $84,201 – $160,725 | $160,726 – $204,100 | $204,101 – $510,300 | $510,301+ |
| Married Filing Jointly | $0 – $19,400 | $19,401 – $78,950 | $78,951 – $168,400 | $168,401 – $321,450 | $321,451 – $408,200 | $408,201 – $612,350 | $612,351+ |
| Married Filing Separately | $0 – $9,700 | $9,701 – $39,475 | $39,476 – $84,200 | $84,201 – $160,725 | $160,726 – $204,100 | $204,101 – $306,175 | $306,176+ |
| Head of Household | $0 – $13,850 | $13,851 – $52,850 | $52,851 – $84,200 | $84,201 – $160,700 | $160,701 – $204,100 | $204,101 – $510,300 | $510,301+ |
Step-by-Step Tax Calculation Process
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Determine Your Filing Status
Your filing status affects your tax brackets, standard deduction, and eligibility for certain credits. The five statuses are: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er).
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Calculate Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Start with your total income (wages, salaries, interest, dividends, etc.) and subtract adjustments like:
- Educator expenses
- Student loan interest
- Alimony payments (for divorce agreements before 2019)
- Contributions to retirement accounts
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Choose Between Standard or Itemized Deductions
The 2019 standard deductions were significantly increased:
- Single: $12,200
- Married Filing Jointly: $24,400
- Head of Household: $18,350
- Married Filing Separately: $12,200
Itemize if your qualifying expenses exceed these amounts. Common itemized deductions include:
- State and local taxes (capped at $10,000)
- Mortgage interest
- Charitable contributions
- Medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI
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Calculate Taxable Income
Subtract your deductions (standard or itemized) from your AGI to get your taxable income.
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Apply Tax Brackets to Your Taxable Income
Use the tax tables above to calculate your tax liability for each portion of your income that falls into different brackets.
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Subtract Tax Credits
Credits directly reduce your tax liability. Common 2019 credits included:
- Child Tax Credit (up to $2,000 per child)
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- American Opportunity Credit for education
- Lifetime Learning Credit
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Calculate Your Final Tax Due or Refund
Compare your total tax liability to the amount withheld from your paychecks. If you paid more than you owe, you’ll get a refund. If you paid less, you’ll owe the difference.
Key Changes in 2019 Tax Law
The 2019 tax year maintained most changes from the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including:
- Lower tax rates across most brackets compared to pre-2018 rates
- Higher standard deductions (nearly doubled from pre-2018 levels)
- $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions
- Eliminated personal exemptions (previously $4,050 per person)
- Increased Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per qualifying child
- New 20% deduction for qualified business income (Section 199A)
- Higher estate tax exemption ($11.4 million for individuals)
Common Tax Deductions for 2019
| Deduction Type | 2019 Limit/Details | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deduction | $12,200 (Single) $24,400 (Joint) $18,350 (Head of Household) |
All taxpayers |
| State and Local Taxes (SALT) | $10,000 combined limit | Itemizers with significant state/local taxes |
| Mortgage Interest | Interest on up to $750,000 of debt (new loans) | Homeowners with mortgages |
| Charitable Contributions | Up to 60% of AGI for cash donations | Itemizers who donate to qualified charities |
| Medical Expenses | Expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI | Itemizers with high medical costs |
| Student Loan Interest | Up to $2,500 | Taxpayers with student loans (phaseouts apply) |
| IRA Contributions | Up to $6,000 ($7,000 if 50+) | Taxpayers contributing to traditional IRAs |
Frequently Asked Questions About 2019 Taxes
What was the personal exemption for 2019?
The personal exemption was eliminated for 2019 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Previously, taxpayers could claim $4,050 per person, but this was replaced by higher standard deductions and an expanded Child Tax Credit.
Could I still deduct alimony payments in 2019?
For divorce agreements executed before December 31, 2018, alimony payments remained deductible for the payer and taxable income for the recipient in 2019. For agreements after that date, alimony is no longer deductible.
What was the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption for 2019?
The AMT exemption amounts for 2019 were:
- $71,700 for single filers and heads of household
- $111,700 for married couples filing jointly
- $55,850 for married couples filing separately
Were there any new tax forms for 2019?
The IRS introduced a redesigned Form 1040 for 2019 that consolidated Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ into one form. Many taxpayers also needed to use new schedules (Schedules 1-6) to report additional income, deductions, or credits.
Tips to Reduce Your 2019 Tax Bill
- Maximize retirement contributions: Contributions to traditional IRAs and 401(k)s reduce your taxable income.
- Take advantage of the QBI deduction: If you’re self-employed or own a pass-through business, you may qualify for a 20% deduction on qualified business income.
- Bunch itemized deductions: If your itemized deductions are close to the standard deduction amount, consider bunching deductions (like charitable contributions) into alternate years.
- Claim all available credits: Credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and education credits can significantly reduce your tax bill.
- Consider tax-loss harvesting: If you have investment losses, you can use them to offset capital gains.
- Contribute to an HSA: Health Savings Account contributions are tax-deductible and grow tax-free.
Important 2019 Tax Deadlines
- April 15, 2020: Deadline to file 2019 tax returns (extended to July 15, 2020 due to COVID-19)
- April 15, 2020: Deadline to pay any tax owed (extended to July 15, 2020)
- April 15, 2020: Deadline to make 2019 IRA contributions
- October 15, 2020: Deadline to file if you requested an extension
Authoritative Resources for 2019 Tax Information
For official information about 2019 taxes, consult these authoritative sources:
- IRS 2019 Form 1040 Instructions – Official instructions for completing your 2019 tax return
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2018-57 – Official 2019 tax inflation adjustments
- Tax Policy Center Analysis – Detailed analysis of TCJA changes affecting 2019 taxes