<prompt> Human: Hey rpersonalfinance! Im about to apply for the 3rd step in my trek up the engineering ladder. Im asked to put my salary requirements down on my resume. I live in ohio and I know the tax rates go up after 40,000. That was my magic number for if i accept the job but now Im hesitant. Should I bump it down to 39,999 and just accept my fate next year when I get a raise? Would adding to my 401k make this a non issue? How would you guys go about handling this?  <response>: Dont ever turn down extra money because of tax brackets. This is not how they work. You will ALWAYS be better off with a higher salary. Rather than typing it all out, check this out. Also this: 