Tax Refund Estimator 2026

Enter your income, withholding, and credits to see your estimated 2026 refund or balance due — then read how the number is built.

Private by design. No SSN, no bank login, no IRS login, no payroll password. Runs in your browser. Educational estimate only.
Your 2026 numbers
$
Wages + other taxable income (before the standard deduction).
$
W-2 Box 2 plus any 1099 withholding.
$
Quarterly (1040-ES) payments, if any.
kids
$
Education, care, etc.
Your estimate
Estimated refund
$330
You paid in more than your tax after credits.
Standard deduction$16,100
Taxable income$58,900
Federal income tax$7,670
Child Tax Credit—
Tax after credits$7,670
Total paid in (withholding + estimates)$8,000

Understand your result

How your refund is calculated

A refund isn't a bonus — it's the difference between what you paid in during the year and what you actually owe. We start with your income, subtract the 2026 standard deduction to get taxable income, and apply the federal brackets to get your tax. Then we subtract credits — the Child Tax Credit (up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with a high-income phase-out) plus any others — to get your tax after credits.

Finally we compare that to everything you paid in: federal tax withheld from paychecks plus any estimated payments. Paid in more than you owe? That's your refund. Paid less? That's your balance due. If you're getting a large refund every year, you're over-withholding — a W-4 tune-up puts that money in your paychecks instead.

Frequently asked questions
How is my tax refund calculated?
It's what you paid in (withholding + estimated payments + refundable credits) minus your actual tax after credits. Pay in more than you owe and you get the difference back; pay less and you owe the balance.
Why is my refund smaller than last year?
Common causes: a raise into a higher bracket, less W-4 withholding, a bonus withheld at a flat rate, losing a dependent credit, or side income without withholding.
Is a big refund good?
Not really — it means you lent the IRS money interest-free all year. Many people prefer to land near $0 and keep more in each paycheck via their W-4.
Does this include the Child Tax Credit?
Yes — up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17 for 2026, with the high-income phase-out. The credit's refundable portion can make an actual refund larger than shown.
Is this exact?
No — it's a simplified federal estimate using the standard deduction and common credits. It excludes state tax, itemized deductions, and less-common credits. Your filed return is the final word.
Sources & verification
Related calculators & guides
W-4 Withholding Optimizer
Right-size your refund to near $0
Family Tax Credit Finder
Child Tax Credit, care credit & more
IRS Form Wizard
Which forms you need to file
Educational estimate only. This is a simplified 2026 federal estimate using the standard deduction and common credits; it excludes state tax, itemized deductions, self-employment tax, and less-common credits. Your filed return determines your actual refund. Full disclaimer.