Free 2026 federal tax estimator
A quick estimate for W-2 wages and kids — standard deduction, Child Tax Credit, ACTC, EITC, and child/dependent care. When you're ready to file for real, we'll match you with a preparer.
Your details
Income from work
Children and dependents
Your estimate
Estimated refund
$9,614
Planning range: $9,133–$10,095
This is a planning estimate, not a filed tax return. Actual IRS calculations can differ.
What is driving this estimate
Mainly driven by $3,502 of Earned Income Tax Credit, $3,500 of federal withholding, $2,612 of refundable Child Tax Credit.
Filing statusHead of Household
Adjusted gross income$42,000
Standard deduction$24,150
Taxable income$17,850
Federal tax before credits$1,788
Child/dependent care credit$0
Child Tax Credit / other dependent credit$1,788
Tax after nonrefundable credits$0
Additional Child Tax Credit$2,612
Earned Income Tax Credit$3,502
Federal withholding$3,500
Estimated refund$9,614
This is an estimate, not tax software and not tax advice. It skips many situations (education/ACA credits, self-employment tax, itemized or state tax, residency/SSN rules). This platform is a lead marketplace and does not prepare returns.
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