RateHerald

No link on RateHerald pays us today. When some do, they'll say so, and they'll never change a ranking. How we make money

Tax Refund Calculator

Whether you'll get a federal refund or owe for 2026, from your income, the tax withheld from your pay, your children and the new deductions.

With $8,200 withheld and $7,670 of federal tax on $75,000, you'd get a refund of about $530 for 2026, filed in early 2027.

Estimated refund
$530
Federal tax on your income
$7,670
Refundable child tax credit
$0
Tax withheld
$8,200

What your refund could grow to in savings →

Refund for a single filer with $75,000 of income and no children, by amount withheld

WithheldRefund or owed
$5,000$2,670 owed
$6,500$1,170 owed
$7,670$0 refund
$9,000$1,330 refund
$10,000$2,330 refund

How this calculator works

Your refund is the tax withheld from your pay, plus any refundable child tax credit, minus the tax you owe on the year's income. The tax owed uses the 2026 brackets, standard deduction, child tax credit and any new deductions you enter.

What it assumes

  • Federal only: state refunds follow your state's own return.
  • Standard deduction and wages; other income, estimated payments and credits such as the earned income credit change the result.
  • Returns for 2026 are filed in early 2027; the IRS issues most e-filed refunds within 21 days.

Questions people ask

How much will I get back in taxes?

The difference between what was withheld (box 2 of your W-2) and the tax you owe, plus refundable credits. Enter both above for an estimate.

Why is my refund smaller than last year?

Usually because less was withheld (a raise, a new W-4, a second job) or a credit changed. A refund isn't extra money: it's tax you overpaid during the year.

Do the new deductions increase my refund?

Yes, if your withholding didn't already account for them. A $5,000 overtime deduction in the 22% bracket adds about $1,100.

When will I get my refund?

The IRS says most refunds for e-filed returns with direct deposit arrive within 21 days. Refunds claiming the earned income or additional child tax credit can't be issued before mid-February.

What if I owe?

Pay by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest, or set up an IRS payment plan. Raising your withholding with a new W-4 prevents owing next year.

Related calculators

  • Income Tax CalculatorYour 2026 federal and state income tax from your income, filing status and children, with your tax bracket and the effective rate you really pay.
  • Paycheck CalculatorWhat you take home from each paycheck after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax, with 2026 tax rates for every state.
  • Savings Goal CalculatorHow much to save each month to reach a goal by a date, counting what you have already and the interest it earns.

Sources

Updated by the RateHerald team. The maths is tested against worked examples; report a problem.

Embed this calculator on your site

Free to use. Copy this code; the link back is appreciated, not required.