Estimate your federal refund — or what you'll owe — from your income, the tax already withheld, and your dependents. Free, and nothing you type leaves your browser.
Find this on your W-2, or add up the federal tax lines on your pay stubs.
Things like deductible IRA contributions or student loan interest that reduce your AGI.
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A refund is not a bonus from the government — it is your own money coming back. Throughout the year your employer withholds federal income tax from each paycheck based on the W-4 you filled in. That withholding is only an estimate of what you will owe.
When you file, your actual liability is computed from your income, deductions, and credits. If you withheld more than that figure, the excess is refunded. If you withheld less, you owe the difference. The goal for most people is to land close to zero, so that money reaches them in each paycheck instead of a year later.
✅ Included
❌ Not included
If any of the right-hand items apply to you, your real refund may differ substantially. Use tax software or a professional to prepare an actual return.
How is a tax refund calculated?
A refund is simply the difference between what you already paid and what you actually owe. Your employer withholds tax from every paycheck based on your W-4. At filing, your real tax is worked out from your income, deductions, and credits — if withholding exceeded that number, the difference comes back as a refund.
Why is my refund smaller this year?
The most common reasons are a change in withholding on your W-4, a raise that moved more income into a higher bracket, a second job, losing a dependent credit as a child ages out, or extra untaxed income such as freelance work.
Is a big refund a good thing?
A large refund means you lent the government money interest-free during the year. Many people prefer to adjust their W-4 so that less is withheld and more lands in each paycheck, aiming for a refund near zero.
Does this calculator include state tax refunds?
No. This estimates your federal position only. State refunds are calculated separately under each state's own rules and brackets.
Why does my estimate differ from my tax software?
This tool uses the standard deduction and a simplified child tax credit. It does not model itemized deductions, education or energy credits, the earned income credit, self-employment tax, capital gains, or many other provisions. Treat it as a ballpark, not a return.