Income tax in the United States Income tax in the United States Income taxes in the United States are imposed by the federal, most state, and many local governments. The income taxes are determined by applying a tax rate, which may increase as income increases, to taxable income, which is the total income less allowable deductions. Income is broadly defined. Individuals and corporations are directly taxable, and estates and trusts may be taxable on undistributed income. Partnerships are not taxed, but their partners are taxed on their shares of partnership income. Residents and citizens are taxed on worldwide income, while nonresidents are taxed only on income
Income tax in the United States of certain types of business expenses. Individuals are also allowed credits related to education expenses, retirement savings, child care expenses, some health care premiums, and a credit for each child. Each of the credits is subject to specific rules and limitations. Some credits are treated as refundable payments. Alternative Minimum Tax: All taxpayers are also subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax if their income exceeds certain exclusion amounts. This tax applies only if it exceeds regular income tax, and is reduced by some credits. Additional Medicare Tax: High-income earners may also have to pay an additional 0.9% tax on wages,