Estimate the outcome of your tax return before you file: refund due, or balance owed.
The method behind this calculator
Running the numbers before you file removes the surprise. Enter your income, what was withheld, and any credits, and this calculator estimates the bottom line of your return.
It covers the common case of wage income with a standard deduction. Self-employment, rental income and investment gains need additional schedules.
Worked example
On the values this calculator opens with, the estimated refund is $1,226. Underneath, Taxable income comes out at $53,000 and Tax before credits at $6,574. Change any field and every figure updates as you type.
How to fill it in
- Enter your income and total federal withholding.
- Set your filing status and the tax year.
- Add credits, then read the refund or balance due.
The calculation
refund or balance = withheld − (bracket tax − credits)
Questions people ask about this
What if I have self-employment income?
You would also owe self-employment tax of about 15.3% on net earnings, which this estimate does not cover.
Does this handle state returns?
No — this is a federal estimate only. State returns follow separate rules.