Estimating Your Federal Tax Refund
Your tax refund equals the difference between what your employer withheld all year and what you actually owe based on your final return. If you had too much withheld, you get a refund. If too little, you owe the difference. This calculator uses 2024 federal tax brackets and the standard deduction to give you an estimate before you file.
Key 2024 standard deductions: $14,600 (single), $29,200 (MFJ), $21,900 (head of household). The child tax credit is $2,000 per qualifying child (under 17).
Frequently Asked Questions
Itemize if your total deductible expenses (mortgage interest, state/local taxes up to $10,000, charitable donations, medical expenses over 7.5% of AGI) exceed the standard deduction amount for your filing status.
File a new W-4 with your employer. If you consistently get large refunds, increase the number of allowances (or decrease extra withholding) to receive more in each paycheck. If you owe every year, decrease allowances.