The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is a separate tax calculation that applies to some taxpayers with higher incomes or certain tax preferences. If your tax liability is higher under the AMT rules than under the regular tax rules, you'll need to pay the difference.
One of the most important parts of the AMT calculation is the exemption amount. This exemption reduces the income subject to AMT. However, the exemption begins to phase out once your income exceeds certain limits.
2026 Alternative Minimum Tax Thresholds and Exemptions
For tax year 2026, the AMT exemption amount is:
- $90,100 for Single filers
- $140,200 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $70,100 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
The exemption begins to phase out when income reaches:
- $500,000 for Single filers
- $1,000,000 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $500,000 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
2025 Alternative Minimum Tax Thresholds and Exemptions
For tax year 2025, the AMT exemption amount is:
- $88,100 for Single filers
- $137,000 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $68,650 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
The exemption begins to phase out when income reaches:
- $626,350 for Single filers
- $1,252,700 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $626,350 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
2024 Alternative Minimum Tax Thresholds and Exemptions
For tax year 2024, the AMT exemption amount is:
- $85,700 for Single filers
- $133,300 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $66,650 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
The exemption begins to phase out when income reaches:
- $609,350 for Single filers
- $1,218,700 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $609,350 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
2023 Alternative Minimum Tax Thresholds and Exemptions
For tax year 2023, the AMT exemption amount is:
- $81,300 for Single filers
- $126,500 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $63,250 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
The exemption begins to phase out when income reaches:
- $578,150 for Single filers
- $1,156,300 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $578,150 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
2022 Alternative Minimum Tax Thresholds and Exemptions
For tax year 2022, the AMT exemption amount is:
- $75,900 for Single filers
- $118,100 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $59,050 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
The exemption begins to phase out when income reaches:
- $539,900 for Single filers
- $1,079,800 for taxpayers filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouses
- $539,900 for Married Filing Separately taxpayers
How the AMT Exemption Phase-Out Works
The AMT exemption is gradually reduced once your income exceeds the applicable phase-out threshold. As income increases, the exemption decreases, which can result in more income being subject to AMT. Some higher-income taxpayers may see their exemption reduced significantly or eliminated altogether.
Most taxpayers don't owe AMT, but it may affect those with higher incomes, large capital gains, incentive stock options, or certain deductions and tax preference items.
Our tax software automatically calculates AMT when necessary and determines whether it affects your return, so you don't need to figure it out on your own.
Additional Information
For more information about calculating the Alternative Minimum Tax, see the IRS Instructions for Form 6251. This form explains the adjustments and preferences that can trigger AMT and provides detailed guidance for taxpayers who may be affected.