Tax rates are applied to taxable income, not to adjusted gross income (AGI). Taxable income is arrived at by subtracting your personal exemptions and the standard deduction or itemized deductions from AGI. The taxable income limits for the 25% tax rate depend on your filing status.
A written determination issued to a taxpayer by the IRS that interprets and applies the tax laws to the taxpayer’s specific set of facts. A letter ruling advises the taxpayer regarding the tax treatment that can be expected from the IRS in the circumstances specified by the ruling. It may not be used or cited as precedent by another taxpayer.