Enter your W-2 wages, withholding, and dependents to estimate whether you're getting a federal and state refund — or you owe — before you file.
Your refund (or bill) is the gap between what was withheld from your paychecks and what you actually owed. This estimates that gap using your real W-2 numbers — including the Child Tax Credit — so you know roughly what to expect before you file.
Federal brackets per IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Assumes the standard deduction, one income source, and full refundability of the Child Tax Credit. Does not model the Earned Income Tax Credit, itemized deductions, or other income — see FAQ below.
| Taxable Income (wages − standard deduction) | $0 |
| Federal Tax Before Credits | $0 |
| Child Tax Credit | $0 |
| Credit for Other Dependents | $0 |
| Federal Tax After Credits | $0 |
| Federal Tax Withheld (Box 2) | $0 |
| State Tax Before Credits | $0 |
| State Tax Withheld (Box 17) | $0 |
When you're ready to file: FreeTaxUSA supports free federal filing for most W-2 filers. Prefer a real person to handle it? LibertyTax offers assisted tax preparation online or in-person. (affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)
Take your W-2 Box 1 wages, subtract the standard deduction for your filing status, and run the result through the 2026 federal tax brackets to get your tax liability. Subtract any Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents you qualify for, then compare that to your Box 2 federal withholding. If withholding is higher than your tax owed, you get a refund; if it's lower, you owe the difference.
A refund means you had more money withheld from your paychecks during the year than you actually owed in tax — essentially an interest-free loan to the government that's paid back after you file. It's not a bonus; it's your own money. If you consistently get a large refund, adjusting your W-4 withholding can put that money in your paycheck throughout the year instead.
$2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 of that refundable even if you owe no tax. There's also a $500 Credit for Other Dependents for qualifying dependents who don't meet the under-17 test. Both phase out by $50 per $1,000 of income above $200,000 (single/head of household) or $400,000 (married filing jointly). Source: IRS, per OBBBA (2025).
A refundable state credit of up to $1,189 per tax return (not per child) for California families with at least one child under 6 and earned income of $32,901 or less — the full amount applies up to $27,425 of earned income, then phases down to zero by $32,901. It requires CalEITC eligibility and is claimed on FTB Form 3514. This calculator includes it automatically when you select California and enter at least one child under 6.
Yes — it estimates your state refund or amount owed using the same state tax engine as every state calculator on this site, based on your W-2 state wages and state withholding. For California, it also includes the Young Child Tax Credit (up to $1,189 per return if you have a child under 6 and earned income of $32,901 or less). Other states' own child/dependent credits aren't modeled yet, so your real state result may differ if your state has one.
This estimate covers a standard W-2 employee taking the standard deduction, the Child Tax Credit, and the Credit for Other Dependents. It does not model the Earned Income Tax Credit, itemized deductions, other income (freelance, investments, a second job), education credits, or retirement contributions — all of which can change your actual refund.
Usually because too little was withheld relative to your actual tax liability — common after a raise, a second job, freelance income without withholding, or claiming too many allowances on your W-4. Owing a small amount isn't a penalty by itself; owing more than $1,000 can trigger an underpayment penalty unless you qualify for a safe harbor.