topic Tax calculation seems higher than the published rates in Retirement tax questions

Tax calculation seems higher than the published rates

davcolley — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:33:21 GMT

When I calculate my federal income tax based on MFJ and the published tax table for 2025, the manual calculation is significantly lower than what turbotax is coming up with.

Re: Tax calculation seems higher than the published rates

DoninGA — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:38:36 GMT

Did you enter qualified dividends or capital gains on your tax return? If so, the tax tables are not used.

The Qualified Dividends and Capital Gains Worksheet is used.

IRS Form 1040 instructions for the worksheet page 38 - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf#page=38

Re: Tax calculation seems higher than the published rates

DoninGA — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:44:17 GMT

Additionally -

What is the amount on your Form 1040 Line 15?

Do you have any other amount shown on Lines 17 thru 23?

If you are using the TurboTax online editions -

You can view your Form 1040 plus Schedules 1, 2 and 3 at any time using the online editions. Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the online program screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.