How Much Tax Will You Pay on $30,000 as a Single Filer?

How much tax will you pay on $30,000 as a Single Filer? If that’s your income in 2025, we’ve got some good news: you won’t owe federal income tax on the full amount. Thanks to the standard deduction, your taxable income drops to $14,250. Based on the 2025 federal income tax rates, your federal tax liability is approximately $1,471.50, putting your effective tax rate at around 10.3%.

Let’s break down how that’s calculated, how you can potentially reduce it, and what happens if your income or filing status changes. Whether you're dealing with wages, salaries, tips, etc., or exploring your options as an income tax filer, this guide covers what you need to know.

Federal Income Tax Breakdown for $30,000

The U.S. income tax system is progressive. That means different chunks of your income fall into different federal tax brackets, not taxed at the same rate. Your filing status determines your tax rates and standard or itemized deduction.

2025 Federal Tax Rate Schedules for Single Filers

• 10% on taxable income up to $11,925
• 12% on income between $11,925 and $48,475

Source: IRS, "Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2025"

These tax rate schedules apply to total taxable income and reflect the marginal tax rate on each portion. You can use a federal income tax calculator to determine how much you must pay for the tax year.

How to Get the Taxable Amount

Start with your adjusted gross income (AGI). It is your gross income minus above-the-line deductions like interest on student loans or retirement contributions.

For this example, the AGI is $30,000. Subtract the standard deduction of $15,750:

$30,000 − $15,750 = $14,250 taxable income

This amount represents your income that's taxable for the year.

Bracket-by-Bracket Tax Breakdown

• First $11,925 taxed at 10% = $1,192.50
• Remaining $2,325 taxed at 12% = $279.00
• Total federal income tax withheld or owed: $1,471.50

This reflects the taxes paid based on your income levels and filing status.

Effective vs. Marginal Tax Rate

• Marginal Tax Rate: 12% on your last dollar earned.
• Effective Rate (tax liability/total taxable income): $1,471.50 ÷ $14,250 ≈ 10.3%

Your marginal rate applies to the last dollar of income, while your average rate shows the share of income paid in tax overall.

Estimated Tax Owed on $30,000

Here’s how your tax picture stacks up:

See taxes for: $20K | $40K | $50K | $75K | $100K

✨ Want a precise breakdown? Use our Federal Income Tax Calculator for Single Filers to factor in your income levels, tax credits, and filing status for a tailored estimate.

Note: This post covers taxes at the federal level. Your state tax (if any) will increase your total liabilities for the tax year.

How to Reduce Your Tax Bill on $30,000

Don’t love that $1,471.50 bill? No one does. Here are smart, legal strategies to lower your tax burden—even with a modest income.

🔻 1. Use the Standard Deduction

The standard deduction is automatic and requires no additional paperwork. For 2025, it is $15,750 for single filers, which reduces taxable income. Unless your itemized deductions are higher than the standard deduction, you’ll usually come out ahead by taking the standard deduction.

Source: U.S. Congress, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1, 119th Cong.

💸 2. Contribute to a Traditional IRA or 401(k)

Lower your adjusted gross income (AGI) and your tax bill:

• Contribute $2,000 to a Traditional IRA
• New AGI: $28,000
• New taxable income: $12,250
• Tax drops to ~$1,231.50
• 💰 Savings = ~$240

Source: Internal Revenue Service, 2025 Amounts Relating to Retirement Plans and IRAs

🎯 3. Take Advantage of Retirement Savings Benefits

With $30,000 in income as a single filer, you likely qualify for the Saver’s Credit at the 10% level. For example, if you contribute $2,000 to a retirement account such as a Traditional IRA, you would receive a $200 nonrefundable credit off your federal income tax.

This credit directly reduces your tax liability—not just your taxable income—and can make a meaningful difference for lower-income earners.

Source: IRS, 2025 Amounts Relating to Retirement Plans and IRAs

🎓 4. Deduct Interest Paid on Student Loans

You can claim up to $2,500 in student loan interest deduction—no itemizing required—if your MAGI is below IRS limits. Since your employment income of $30,000 is well below the phaseout threshold ($85,000-$100,000 for 2025), you qualify for the full deduction (assuming you paid at least that much in interest).

Source: IRS, Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2024-40

👶 5. Explore the Earned Income Credit

You may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable credit available to many workers. You don’t need children to qualify, but the credit amount and income limits are higher if you have a qualifying child who meets IRS rules.

• No children? You won’t qualify at $30,000 income—your earnings are above the credit phaseout income range ($19,104 for 2025).
• With at least one qualifying child? Yes, you qualify for the tax credit. At this income level, the EITC can be worth up to $8,046, depending on how many qualifying children you have and your adjusted income.

💡 If you have a qualifying child under age 17, you’re also eligible for the Child Tax Credit. Supporting a dependent who isn’t a qualifying child? You may still qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents.

Source: IRS, Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2024-40

🏥 6. Contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you have a high-deductible health plan, contributions to an HSA can:

• Lower your taxable income: HSA contributions are an above-the-line deduction, so you can claim them even if you don’t itemize. There are no income limits — if you’re HSA-eligible, you can deduct up to the annual maximum.
• Grow tax-free: Any interest or investment earnings inside your HSA aren’t taxed, letting your balance build over time without extra IRS costs.
• Provide tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses: When you use HSA funds for eligible health costs, you don’t pay tax on the withdrawal.

Underrated? Absolutely. Legal? 100%.

Source: IRS, Publication 969: Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans

What If Your Income Changes?

Your tax year might not look the same every time. Here’s how your taxes shift with income and filing status choices.

If You Earned $20,000

• Taxable Income: $4,250 ($20,000 earned income - $15,750 standard deduction)
• Entirely taxed at 10% = ~$425
• Likely qualifies for both the EITC and Saver’s Credit
• Tax on $20,000 as a Single Filer

If You Earned $40,000

• Taxable Income: $24,250 ($40,000 earned income - $15,750 standard deduction)
• Tax owed: ~$2,672
• Effective Rate: ~11%
• Some credits may begin to phase out
• Tax on $40,000 as a Single Filer

If You Earned $50,000 and Above

• Taxable Income: Typically around $34,250 after the standard deduction (and possibly lower if you also claim above-the-line deductions).
• Tax owed: Starts at around $3,872
• At risk of credit phaseout and alternative minimum tax exposure (depending on deductions)
• Tax on $50,000 as a Single Filer

Still Unsure? Use Our Free Estimator Tool

Want a number that accounts for your filing status, credits, deductions, and income swings? Try our income tax calculator for single filers.

📆 Next Step: Enter your numbers to unlock your potential tax savings—without spreadsheets or headaches.