Average Income Tax Rate 2011, 2012

The average income tax rate has determining factors including your filing status and tax bracket. Your tax bracket is the rate you pay on the "last dollar" you earn; but as a percentage of your income, your tax rate is generally less than that. Your tax bracket is determined by your income.

Your tax bracket and filing status can change when you experience certain changes in your life. Having a baby, getting married and buying or selling a house are all examples of life changes that will definitely affect your tax average.

There are many changes through the federal government that have affected tax brackets over the past few years due to stimulus packages to help taxpayers.

To help you estimate your average tax rate, here are examples of the most recent tax brackets per income levels for single filers:

Income up to $8, 350 your tax rate will be 10%
Income between $8,350 and $33, 950 will be 15%
Income between $33,950 and $82, 250 will be 25%
Income between $82, 250 and $171,550 will be 28%
Income between $171, 550 and 372, 950 will be 33%

The income levels change as your filing status change; for example, if your filing status was married filing jointly, the 1st level increases to $16,700 and the 2nd level increases to $67, 900 at a 15% tax rate.

For answers to all your tax-related questions, visit TurboTax Online.