Tax Refund Estimator
Estimate whether you will receive a refund or owe tax by comparing your projected federal tax bill with the amount withheld during the year.
Your numbers
- Projected tax
- $7,230
- Total withheld
- $9,880
- Adjust withholding per paycheck by
- -$102
- Tax owed
- Withheld
How the tax refund estimator calculator works
Tax after credits is compared with federal withholding. Refund = withholding − tax; negative means you owe.
Example
Using the default inputs (Annual wages: $78,000; Filing status: Single; Pre-tax deductions: $5,000; Federal tax withheld per paycheck: $380; Pay frequency: Biweekly; …), the calculator returns estimated refund of $2,650. Change any field above to see your own result and charts update instantly.
Good for these goals
Frequently asked questions
Is a big refund good?
It means you lent the IRS money interest-free. Adjusting your W-4 puts that cash in your pocket during the year.
How do I change withholding?
Submit a new Form W-4 to your employer.
Related taxes calculators
All Taxes →Standard vs Itemized Deduction
Which deduction saves you more
TaxesQuarterly Estimated Tax
Safe-harbor quarterly payments
TaxesFederal Income Tax
2026 tax bracket calculation
TaxesPaycheck
Take-home pay after taxes and deductions
TaxesCapital Gains Tax
Short- vs long-term gains tax on investments
TaxesSelf-Employment Tax
SE tax, income tax and quarterly payments
Learn more
More Taxes guides →W-4 Withholding Guide
How to fill out Form W-4, adjust your withholding and use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to get your paycheck right.
TaxesHow Federal Tax Brackets Work (and Why a Raise Never Costs You)
Understand marginal tax brackets, effective rates and the standard deduction using a clear 2026 example.
TaxesStandard vs Itemized Deductions
Learn how the standard deduction compares with itemizing and which expenses count, including SALT, mortgage interest…
TaxesCapital Gains Taxes Explained
How capital gains are taxed in the US, with 0%, 15% and 20% long-term rates, the net investment income tax and ways…
Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not financial, tax or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and simplified assumptions; tax figures reflect 2026 federal rules and may differ from your situation. See our disclaimer. © 2026 FinanzCalc.