Tax Refund Estimator
Will you owe or get money back?
Estimator
Estimate Your Refund
Enter your income, withholding, and credits. The calculator computes your tax liability and compares it to what you've already paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get my refund?
If you e-file with direct deposit, most refunds arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return. Paper returns take 6–8 weeks. Filing early in the season (late January/February) generally means faster processing.
Is a big refund a good thing?
Not necessarily. A large refund means you overpaid throughout the year — the IRS held your money interest-free. Ideally, you want to break roughly even. Use the W-4 calculator to adjust your withholding if your refund is consistently large.
What credits does this include?
This estimator includes the Child Tax Credit ($2,000 per child under 17, subject to income phaseout). For a more complete estimate, consult a tax professional about additional credits like the Earned Income Credit, education credits, and energy credits.
Tax Refund Estimator
Find out whether you'll owe the IRS or get money back. Enter your income, withholding, and basic credits to get an instant estimate of your tax refund or balance due for the 2025 tax year.