Tax Refund Calculator 2026 rates
Estimated federal refund (2025 return)
$1,428.50
Tax after credits $5,071.50 · Withheld $6,500.00
| Adjusted gross income | $60,000.00 |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction | −$15,750.00 |
| Taxable income | $44,250.00 |
| Tax from brackets | $5,071.50 |
| Tax after credits | $5,071.50 |
| Federal tax withheld | $6,500.00 |
| Refund | $1,428.50 |
Estimate for a 2025 federal return filed in 2026, using the standard deduction. It does not include the earned income credit, education credits or state refunds.
How to use the tax refund calculator
- Choose your filing status. The calculator uses 2025 tax rules (the return you file in 2026).
- Enter your wages from W-2 box 1. This number already excludes your 401(k) and pre-tax health insurance.
- Enter federal tax withheld from W-2 box 2. This is the tax you already paid during the year.
- Add children and other income.
- Check the refund boosters: overtime, tips, and age 65+. These deductions are new for 2025, and many people miss them.
- Read your result. A green box means a refund; an orange box means you owe.
How your refund is calculated
- Total income (W-2 box 1 + other income)
- − Standard deduction (or itemized)
- − New deductions: overtime premium, tips, senior deduction
- = Taxable income
- Apply the 2025 tax brackets = tax before credits
- − Credits (child tax credit, education credits, etc.)
- = Total tax
- Refund = tax withheld + estimated payments − total tax (negative = you owe)
2025 tax figures (for returns filed in 2026)
Standard deduction (2025, after the 2025 law): Single $15,750 · Married filing jointly $31,500 · Head of household $23,625
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | $0 – $23,850 |
| 12% | $11,926 – $48,475 | $23,851 – $96,950 |
| 22% | $48,476 – $103,350 | $96,951 – $206,700 |
| 24% | $103,351 – $197,300 | $206,701 – $394,600 |
| 32% | $197,301 – $250,525 | $394,601 – $501,050 |
| 35% | $250,526 – $626,350 | $501,051 – $751,600 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | Over $751,600 |
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40 (brackets); standard deduction as raised by the 2025 law (Public Law 119-21).
Worked example: single, $60,000 wages, $6,500 withheld (2025)
| Step | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wages (W-2 box 1) | — | $60,000.00 |
| Standard deduction | − $15,750 | |
| Taxable income | $44,250.00 | |
| 10% on first $11,925 | $11,925 × 10% | $1,192.50 |
| 12% on the rest | ($44,250 − $11,925) = $32,325 × 12% | $3,879.00 |
| Total tax | $5,071.50 | |
| Federal tax withheld (box 2) | $6,500.00 | |
| Estimated refund | $6,500 − $5,071.50 | $1,428.50 |
Same worker with overtime: suppose $4,000 of their wages was the qualified overtime premium (the "half" of time and a half).
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $44,250 − $4,000 = $40,250 |
| Tax | $1,192.50 + ($28,325 × 12%) $3,399.00 = $4,591.50 |
| Refund | $6,500 − $4,591.50 = $1,908.50 |
The overtime deduction added $480 to the refund ($4,000 × 12%). See how much your overtime is worth with the overtime tax calculator.
New refund boosters for 2025 (tax years 2025–2028)
| Deduction | Amount | Who qualifies | Income limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| No tax on overtime | Up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint) of the overtime premium | Non-exempt workers paid FLSA overtime | Phases out above $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint) |
| No tax on tips | Up to $25,000 of qualified tips | Workers in jobs that customarily receive tips (on the IRS list of tipping occupations) | Phases out above $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint) |
| Senior deduction | $6,000 per person age 65+ | Age 65 or older by year end | Phases out above $75,000 MAGI ($150,000 joint), at 6% of the excess |
| Car loan interest | Up to $10,000 of interest on a new US-assembled car bought for personal use | Loans taken after 2024 | Phases out above $100,000 MAGI ($200,000 joint) |
All four can be claimed with the standard deduction (no need to itemize). None of them reduces Social Security or Medicare tax.
Child tax credit (2025): up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with part of it refundable for lower-income families.
Why your refund might be bigger or smaller than last year
- Bigger: a higher standard deduction, the new overtime, tips, and senior deductions, a new child, or more withholding.
- Smaller: a second job, side income with no withholding, a raise with an old W-4, losing a credit as a child turns 17, or claiming fewer dependents.
When will I get my refund?
The IRS usually sends refunds for e-filed returns with direct deposit within 21 days. Returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit can't be paid before mid-February by law. Paper returns take longer. Track yours with the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I get back in taxes? Your refund equals your federal tax withheld minus your actual tax. Enter your W-2 box 1 and box 2 amounts above for an estimate.
Is this calculator for 2025 or 2026? By default it estimates your 2025 refund, which you file in 2026. Switch to tax year 2026 to plan for the refund you'll get in 2027.
What is the 2025 standard deduction? $15,750 for single filers, $31,500 for married filing jointly, and $23,625 for head of household, after the 2025 tax law raised it.
Will the no tax on overtime deduction increase my refund? Yes, for most workers. Employers kept withholding normally in 2025, so the deduction usually comes back as a bigger refund.
Why do I owe money this year? Usually because too little tax was withheld: a second job, 1099 income, or an outdated W-4. Use the paycheck calculator to set your W-4 correctly for next year.
Does a refund mean I paid less tax? No. A refund means you overpaid during the year and the IRS is returning your own money. A smaller refund with bigger paychecks is often better.
Does this include state refunds? No. This page estimates your federal refund only. State refunds follow each state's own rules.
How accurate is this estimate? It's close for most W-2 workers using the standard deduction. Self-employment, investments, itemized deductions, and many credits can change your result. See our methodology.
Sources
- IRS — Revenue Procedure 2024-40 (2025 tax brackets)
- IRS — "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" provisions (standard deduction, overtime, tips, seniors, car loan interest)
- IRS — Where's My Refund? and refund timing guidance
- IRS — Child Tax Credit page
This calculator gives estimates for information only and is not tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I get back in taxes?
Your refund equals your federal tax withheld minus your actual tax. Enter your W-2 box 1 wages and box 2 withholding to estimate it.
Is this calculator for 2025 or 2026?
By default it estimates the 2025 refund that you file in 2026. You can switch to tax year 2026 to plan for the refund filed in 2027.
What is the 2025 standard deduction?
$15,750 for single filers, $31,500 for married filing jointly and $23,625 for head of household.
Will the no tax on overtime deduction increase my refund?
Yes, for most workers, because employers kept withholding normally and the deduction is claimed on the return.
Why do I owe money this year?
Usually because too little tax was withheld, for example from a second job, 1099 income or an outdated W-4.
Does a refund mean I paid less tax?
No. A refund means you overpaid during the year and the IRS is returning the extra.
How accurate is this estimate?
It is close for most W-2 workers using the standard deduction. Self-employment, investments, itemizing and some credits can change the result.