Tax Return Estimator
Estimate your federal tax refund or amount owed using information from your W-2 or final pay stub. This calculator uses 2026 tax brackets and standard deductions.
Where to Find This Info
On your W-2 form:
- Box 1: Wages, tips, other compensation
- Box 2: Federal income tax withheld
On your final pay stub: Look for "YTD Gross" and "Federal Tax Withheld YTD"
Income & Withholding
Filing Information
Important Disclaimers
This is an estimate only. This calculator provides a simplified federal tax estimate and does not account for all possible tax situations. Your actual refund or amount owed may differ.
What This Calculator Includes:
- 2026 federal income tax brackets
- Standard deduction for your filing status
- Additional standard deduction for taxpayers age 65+
- Child Tax Credit ($2,000 per qualifying dependent under 17)
What This Calculator Does NOT Include:
- State and local taxes
- Itemized deductions (mortgage interest, charitable donations, etc.)
- Other tax credits (Earned Income Credit, education credits, etc.)
- Self-employment income or business deductions
- Investment income (capital gains, dividends, interest)
- Additional income sources (rental, Social Security, etc.)
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
- Premium Tax Credit (health insurance marketplace)
For Accurate Filing: This calculator is for planning purposes only. For your actual tax return, use IRS-approved tax software or consult a qualified tax professional. The IRS Free File program offers free tax preparation software if you earn below certain income thresholds.
Tax brackets and standard deductions are for tax year 2026. Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-28.