Tax Refund Calculator

Enter your income, deductions and the tax already withheld to estimate your federal refund or what you owe.

Estimate a federal tax refund or amount owed.

Annual income before deductions ($)

Filing status

Pre-tax deductions, such as 401(k) or HSA ($)

Itemized deductions ($, leave 0 to use the standard deduction)

Tax credits ($, optional)

Federal income tax withheld during the year ($, W-2 box 2)

How your tax refund is calculated

Your refund is the federal income tax that was withheld from your paychecks plus any payments you made, minus the tax you actually owe for the year: refund = tax withheld − tax owed (after credits). If your employer withheld more than you owe you get a refund; if less, you owe the difference. To estimate it, this calculator takes your income, subtracts the 2026 standard deduction (or your itemized deductions) and pre-tax deductions, applies the 2026 brackets, subtracts the credits you enter and compares the result with the tax withheld. Example: a single filer with $70,000 of income has federal tax of about $6,570; if $7,000 was withheld, the refund is about $430.

Where to find your numbers

Tax withheld: box 2 of your W-2, or your final paystub of the year.
Credits: enter the credits you expect to claim; they reduce tax dollar for dollar. Rules and amounts depend on your situation, so check the IRS website.
Itemized deductions: only worth entering if they add up to more than the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household in 2026).

This estimates federal income tax only, not state taxes or self-employment tax, and it is not tax advice. To adjust your withholding, see the W-4 withholding calculator. See also the federal income tax calculator.

How to use the tax refund calculator

Enter your income, filing status and any pre-tax or itemized deductions and credits.
Enter the federal tax withheld during the year, from your W-2 or paystubs.
Read your estimated refund or the amount you would owe.

Frequently asked questions

How do I estimate my tax refund?

Estimate the federal tax you owe for the year and subtract it from the tax already withheld. If withholding is higher, the difference is your refund. For example, $7,000 withheld and about $6,570 owed gives a refund of about $430.

Where do I find my federal tax withheld?

On your W-2, box 2, or on your last paystub of the year under federal income tax withheld year to date.

Why would I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?

If too little tax was withheld during the year, for example because of a second job, side income or a Form W-4 that did not match your situation, you owe the difference when you file.

Is a big refund a good thing?

A refund is your own money returned after the year ends. Adjusting your W-4 can raise your take-home pay during the year instead.

Does this include state taxes?

No. It estimates federal income tax only. State refunds and amounts owed depend on your state.

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