Tax Refund Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal tax refund or amount owed in minutes.
Income & Withholding
Deductions & Credits
Estimated Refund
| Gross Income | $65,000 |
| Above-the-line deductions | $-0 |
| AGI | $65,000 |
| Standard deduction | -$15,700 |
| Taxable income | $49,300 |
| Federal income tax | $5,760 |
| Tax after credits | $5,760 |
| Already paid (withheld + estimated) | $8,500 |
| Refund | $2,740 |
Tax Tips
- 1.A large refund means you're overpaying throughout the year — adjust your W-4 to keep more money each paycheck
- 2.File by April 15 to avoid penalties. If you need more time, file Form 4868 for an automatic 6-month extension
This is a simplified estimate for 2026 federal taxes only. State taxes, AMT, and some credits/deductions are not included. Use IRS forms or tax software for accurate filing.
How Your Tax Refund Is Calculated
Your refund (or balance due) is simply the difference between what you've already paid in taxes — through paycheck withholding and estimated payments — and what you actually owe based on your taxable income, deductions, and credits. If you overpaid, the IRS sends back the difference. If you underpaid, you owe the balance plus potential penalties.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | $0 – $23,850 | $0 – $17,000 |
| 12% | $11,926 – $48,475 | $23,851 – $96,950 | $17,001 – $64,850 |
| 22% | $48,476 – $103,350 | $96,951 – $206,700 | $64,851 – $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,351 – $197,300 | $206,701 – $394,600 | $103,351 – $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,301 – $250,525 | $394,601 – $501,050 | $197,301 – $250,500 |
| 35% | $250,526 – $626,350 | $501,051 – $751,600 | $250,501 – $626,350 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | Over $751,600 | Over $626,350 |
Standard Deductions for 2026
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Over 65 / Blind (additional) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,700 | +$2,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $31,400 | +$1,600 each |
| Head of Household | $23,500 | +$2,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,700 | +$1,600 |
Average Tax Refund by Income
The average federal tax refund is approximately $3,100. Here's how it breaks down by income level:
| Income Range | Average Refund | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under $25,000 | $1,400 | 2–5% |
| $25,000 – $50,000 | $2,300 | 6–10% |
| $50,000 – $75,000 | $2,900 | 10–14% |
| $75,000 – $100,000 | $3,400 | 12–16% |
| $100,000 – $200,000 | $4,200 | 15–20% |
| Over $200,000 | $5,800 | 20–30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a big tax refund good or bad?
A large refund means you've been giving the government an interest-free loan all year. Each dollar of refund is money you could have had in your paycheck monthly. Ideally, you want to break even — adjust your W-4 withholding so you owe nothing and get little back. A refund of $500–$1,000 is reasonable; $3,000+ means your withholding needs adjustment.
When will I get my refund?
If you file electronically with direct deposit, most refunds arrive within 21 days. Paper returns take 6–8 weeks. Returns claiming EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit filed before mid-February may be delayed until early March due to the PATH Act. You can track your refund at irs.gov/refunds or the IRS2Go app.
See also: Income Tax Calculator and W-4 Calculator.