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Tax Refund Estimator

Estimate your federal tax refund or balance due before you file.

Updated for the 2026 tax year · Last data update May 19, 2026
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How to Use

  1. Enter your income and filing status.
  2. Enter federal tax withheld (W-2 box 2).
  3. Add any tax credits.
  4. Choose standard or itemized deduction.
  5. See your estimated refund or balance due.

Calculation Method

We compute federal tax from your income and deduction, subtract credits, then compare to your withholding. Withholding minus tax-after-credits is your refund (if positive) or balance due (if negative).

Data source: IRS 2026 Revenue Procedure.

Examples

Single, \$75,000, \$9,000 withheld

Tax ≈ \$7,670 → refund ≈ \$1,330.

≈ +\$1,330

Frequently Asked Questions

If your withholding was less than your tax after credits, you have a balance due. Adjust your W-4 to change this going forward.

No, this estimates your federal refund only.

A large refund means you over-withheld and gave the IRS an interest-free loan. Adjusting your W-4 keeps more in each paycheck instead.

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Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. SmartTaxCalcs does not provide tax advice. Your actual tax liability may differ based on your specific situation, recent law changes, and circumstances not modeled here (e.g., AMT, NIIT, special credits). We strongly recommend consulting a qualified tax professional (CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney) before filing or making financial decisions.

Data source: IRS Revenue Procedure / state Departments of Revenue. Last data update: May 19, 2026.

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