Rates on Ordinary Income. For most individuals, the federal income tax rates for 2013 will be the same as last year: 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, and 35%. However, the Act increases the maximum rate for higher-income taxpayers to 39.6% (up from 35%). For 2013, this change only affects singles with taxable income above $400,000, married joint-filing couples with taxable income above $450,000, heads of households with taxable income above $425,000, and married individuals who file separate returns with taxable income above $225,000. After 2013, these taxable income amounts will be adjusted for inflation. These changes are permanent.

Note:Higher-income taxpayers may also get hit by the new 0.9% Medicare tax on wages and self-employment income and the new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on net investment income. If so, they can face combined tax rates in excess of the advertised rates.

Rates on Long-term Gains and Dividends. The tax rates on long-term capital gains and dividends will also remain the same as last year for most individuals. However, the Act increases the maximum rate for higher-income taxpayers to 20% (up from 15%). For 2013, this change only affects singles with taxable income above $400,000, married joint-filing couples with taxable income above $450,000, heads of households with taxable income above $425,000, and married individuals who file separate returns with taxable income above $225,000. After 2013, these taxable income amounts will be adjusted for inflation. These changes are permanent.

Note: Higher-income taxpayers may also get hit by the new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on investment income, which can result in a maximum 23.8% federal tax rate on long-term gains and dividends instead of the advertised 20%.

Itemized Deductions and Personal/Dependent Exemption Deduction Phase-out. The last time we saw a phase-out rule for itemized deductions and personal/dependent exemption deductions was 2009. Sadly, the Act brings back the phase-out deal. For 2013, phase-out starts at the following Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) thresholds: $250,000 for singles, $300,000 for married joint-filing couples, $275,000 for heads of households, and $150,000 for married individuals who file separate returns. As a result, for taxpayers with income above the threshold amounts, certain itemized deductions (mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable contributions, and miscellaneous itemized deductions) will be reduced. For the majority of taxpayers subject to phase out the reduction is approximately 3% of AGI that exceeds the applicable threshold (adjusted annually for inflation) Finally, if the income threshold amounts are exceeded the personal/dependent exemption deduction can be reduced or even completely eliminated.