PFCHow to use this calculator
Compare modeled 2026 federal tax with the payments and eligible refundable credits you enter. Tax year 2026 is generally filed in 2027; this is not a 2025 return estimator.
- Review the example inputs and replace them with the figures for your scenario.
- Check the assumptions and select Calculate to view the estimate.
- Compare a second scenario or open the breakdown and download the full CSV.
Illustrative example
With the example inputs, estimated federal refund is $2,130.00. Tax year 2026 (generally filed in 2027). Uses the ordinary-income model; enter only credits you qualify for. Does not retrieve IRS records, track a refund, or calculate penalties. Other taxes and special income may change the result.
These example values are for explanation. They are not current market quotes or personalized recommendations.
Calculation method
Refund equals federal withholding plus estimated payments plus eligible refundable credits minus modeled tax after nonrefundable credits. A negative result is a balance due.
Assumptions and limitations
2026 U.S. federal ordinary-income estimate using rate brackets rather than IRS tax-table rounding. Basic standard deduction assumes under 65, not blind, not a dependent, and eligible to claim it; separate filers whose spouse itemizes must use a verified custom deduction. Custom deductions and credits are user-supplied. No capital-gains rates, taxable Social Security calculation, payroll or self-employment tax, AMT, NIIT, or automatic credit/phaseout calculations. Excludes state/local taxes. Not a complete return. No IRS account access, refund tracking, offsets, or underpayment penalties. Withholding must exclude Social Security, Medicare, and state tax.
Sources
2026 tax refund calculator FAQs
Choose a question to read the answer, then try your own numbers in the free calculator.
Does this check my IRS refund status?
No. It produces a scenario estimate from your inputs and has no access to IRS records.
Which paycheck deductions count as withholding?
Enter federal income tax withholding only, not Social Security, Medicare, or state/local withholding.
Why does it show a balance due?
Your entered payments and refundable credits are lower than the modeled federal income tax.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. You can calculate and download the breakdown without creating an account.
Are my numbers saved?
The app sends inputs to its calculation API to produce the result, but does not save them in an app database or browser storage.
PFC provides mathematical planning estimates. Tax and retirement rules in these tools are for 2026 and do not update automatically. Check the cited sources and the terms that apply to your situation.