Tax Refund Estimator (2025)
Estimate your US federal tax refund or amount owed using the 2025 brackets, standard deduction, child tax credit and the tax your employer already withheld.
How a refund is worked out
Your refund is the tax already withheld minus the tax you actually owe. Tax starts with your wages, less pre-tax deductions such as a 401(k). The standard deduction of $15,750 (single) or $31,500 (married filing jointly) for 2025 comes off next, and the rest is taxed in brackets from 10% to 37%. Credits then reduce the tax itself; the child tax credit is $2,200 per child here.
This is a simple estimate for wage earners. It does not include state tax, self-employment income, itemised deductions, education credits, the earned income credit or the refundable part of the child credit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Formulas are standard and shown in the sections above; results are estimates.
Tips and common mistakes
- Use box 2 of your W-2 for the tax withheld.
- A big refund means too much was withheld. Update your W-4 to get the money in each paycheck.
- If the result shows you owe, you can adjust withholding to avoid a penalty next year.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Which year is this?
2025 federal rates, standard deduction and child tax credit.
Does it include state tax?
No. State refunds and balances are separate.
Why can my real refund differ?
Other income, deductions and credits change the answer, so use it as a planning guide.
Is the child tax credit exact?
It uses the full credit with the income phase-out, but ignores the refundable limit.
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Open calculator →Results are estimates and not financial advice.