Tax Refund Estimator
Estimate whether you will receive a tax refund or owe a balance. Enter your annual income and the total tax withheld from your paycheques to see the difference.
Your Tax Details
Refund Estimate
Estimated Refund
$1,977
Effective Tax Rate
21.7%
How it works: This estimator calculates your actual tax owed (federal + provincial income tax, CPP, and EI) based on your annual income, then compares it to the total tax your employer withheld. If more was withheld than owed, you get a refund. If less was withheld, you owe the difference. This is an estimate — your actual refund may differ based on deductions, credits, and other income sources.
Understanding Your Tax Refund
A tax refund occurs when your employer withheld more tax from your paycheques than you actually owe. This commonly happens when you have deductions (RRSP contributions, childcare expenses) or credits that reduce your tax below what was withheld.
Balance due can occur if you have additional income sources (freelancing, rental income, investments) that were not subject to payroll withholding, or if your TD1 form overstated your personal credits.
Your actual refund or balance may differ from this estimate if you have RRSP deductions, medical expenses, charitable donations, capital gains, or other items not captured here.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get a tax refund in Canada?
A tax refund occurs when your employer withheld more tax from your paycheques than you actually owe. This commonly happens when you have deductions like RRSP contributions, childcare expenses, or credits that reduce your tax below the amount withheld throughout the year.
Why might I owe tax when I file my return?
You may owe a balance if you have additional income sources such as freelancing, rental income, or investments that were not subject to payroll withholding, or if your TD1 form overstated your personal tax credits during the year.
When is the deadline to file my Canadian tax return?
For most Canadians, the tax filing deadline is April 30. Self-employed individuals have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is still due by April 30. Filing late when you owe results in penalties and interest charges.
Sources
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Last updated April 2026. Reflects 2026 tax year rates.
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