This is an estimate, not tax advice. It uses the federal figures listed on this page (checked against IRS.gov on October 15, 2026); verify current-year figures before relying on them. Your entries stay in your browser and are never sent anywhere.
How the estimate works
- Adds your wages and other income, then subtracts adjustments to get an estimate of AGI.
- Subtracts the standard deduction for your filing status and year (or your itemized total) plus any other deductions you enter.
- Applies the federal brackets from IRS.gov to find tax before credits, then subtracts the credits you entered.
- Compares the result with the tax you have paid through withholding and estimated payments. More paid than owed means a refund; less means a balance due.
Tip: Near the end of the year you can use your latest pay stub to project withholding for the year. Early in the year the estimate is rougher, because raises, bonuses and life changes are hard to predict.
Using the per-paycheck number
If the estimator says you may owe, the figure under the result shows roughly how much more would need to come out of each paycheck to land near break-even. If it says you may get a large refund, it shows how much less could be withheld. To act on it, submit a new Form W-4 to your employer; don’t rely on this tool alone for the exact entries.
Warning: Self-employed people and gig workers do not have an employer withholding for them. If that is you, read about estimated tax payments — self-employment tax is not included in this estimator.
What it leaves out
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes and self-employment tax.
- Long-term capital gains and qualified dividend rates, the alternative minimum tax and other taxes.
- Credit phase-outs — enter the credit amounts you will actually receive.
- State income taxes.
For a personalized answer, use the IRS’s own Tax Withholding Estimator (it is free and the IRS says it does not save your information). Read more in our tax refund guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a big refund good?
A refund is your own money coming back: you gave the government an interest-free loan during the year. Many people prefer to have it in their paychecks instead, but others like the forced savings. Neither is “right” — aim for the outcome you want.
Why does this say “lite”?
It only handles the common case: wages and other income, the standard deduction or one itemized total, credits you enter, and withholding. It leaves out payroll taxes, self-employment tax, capital-gains rates, the alternative minimum tax and credit phase-outs. For a personalized answer use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
Where do I find my withholding so far?
Look at your most recent pay stub for year-to-date federal income tax withheld, or at box 2 of last year’s W-2 for a full-year reference. Multiply the per-paycheck amount by the number of paychecks if you want a full-year projection.
How do I change my withholding?
Give your employer a new Form W-4. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can tell you what to enter. See our guide on how to fill out a W-4.
Official sources
- IRS: Tax Withholding Estimator
- IRS: About Form W-4
- IRS: Refunds
- IRS: Federal income tax rates and brackets
- IRS Topic 551: Standard deduction
General information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax figures change every year; verify the current numbers at IRS.gov or with a qualified professional. Read the full disclaimer.