Taxes are on a sliding scale. The more you make, the higher the rate. And the standard deduction is 13,850, so the first 13,850 doesn't get taxed as a single filer. Seeing as it is a flat deduction, it benefits the lower income the most. So the taxes are designed to give the most breaks to the lowest income. You can go to IRS.gov and look at the tax rates to see how much you'd pay. State is another issue.