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United States

US federal tax refund calculator

Add your W-2 wages, side-business income and tax already paid to see an estimated refund or amount owing. No sign in needed.

Federal estimate only. State and local tax are not included. Not tax advice.

1. Your wages

Use your expected 2026 W-2 Box 1 wages. For a joint return, combine both spouses’ wages.

2. Side business (optional)

Enter gross self-employment income and eligible business expenses.

If you have W-2 wages and side-business profit, enter the business owner’s Box 3 wages. For joint filers, do not include the other spouse’s wages here. Enter 0 if the business owner has no W-2 job.

3. Federal tax already paid

Use federal income tax withheld, not Social Security or Medicare withheld from pay.

How this US federal tax estimate works

Your W-2 wages and side-business profit are added together. Eligible business costs reduce that profit.

The calculator applies the standard deduction, estimates federal income tax and adds self-employment tax on business profit. It then subtracts federal tax already paid.

Your actual IRS result may differ because credits, state taxes and special deductions are outside this simple estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Tax year, assumptions and sources

Uses 2026 federal tax rules for income earned 1 January to 31 December 2026. It assumes the standard deduction and one self-employed person.

Excludes state and local tax, credits, itemized and qualified business income deductions, Additional Medicare Tax, alternative minimum tax, age or blindness additions to the standard deduction, and special filing situations. Married filing separately may not qualify for the standard deduction if the spouse itemizes.