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Tax Refund Calculator – Estimate Your Federal Refund

Estimate your federal tax refund or amount owed based on income, withholdings, and filing status. Free 2025 tax refund calculator.

Last updated: 2026-03-09

Tax refund estimator
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Example calculations

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Single W-2 Employee

Married Couple

Under-Withheld

How Tax Refund Estimation Works

Your tax refund (or amount owed) is the difference between what your employer withheld from your paychecks and what you actually owe in federal income tax.

Refund = Federal Withheld − Estimated Tax Owed

This calculator uses 2025 federal tax brackets and standard deduction amounts. If your withholdings exceed your tax liability, you get a refund. If not, you owe the difference.

Enter 0 for deductions to use the standard deduction for your filing status. Enter a custom amount if you itemize deductions (mortgage interest, state taxes, charitable donations, etc.).

Tax refund FAQs

Answers to common questions about tax refunds and withholdings.

Why does my refund differ from what I actually receive?

This is an estimate using standard federal brackets. Your actual refund depends on tax credits (child tax credit, earned income credit), state taxes, other income sources, and itemized deductions that this simplified calculator doesn't capture.

Is a large tax refund a good thing?

A large refund means you overpaid taxes throughout the year — essentially giving the government an interest-free loan. Many financial advisors suggest adjusting your W-4 withholdings to get a smaller refund and keep more money in each paycheck.

When should I use itemized deductions vs standard?

Use the standard deduction unless your total itemized deductions (mortgage interest, state/local taxes up to $10,000, charitable contributions, etc.) exceed the standard amount ($15,000 single, $30,000 married for 2025).

Does this include state tax refunds?

No, this calculator only estimates your federal tax refund. State tax refunds depend on your state's specific tax rates and brackets, which vary widely.

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