Tax refund estimator
Enter your income and the tax already withheld on your T4 and RL-1 slips: the tool estimates whether you'll get a refund or owe a balance. To understand your pay deductions, read understanding your pay stub.
T4 box 14 / RL-1 box A
T4 box 22
RL-1 box E
Federal (CRA)
+$1,494 refund
Tax owed: $4,506
Quebec (Revenu Québec)
+$1,921 refund
Tax owed: $5,079
Estimated refund
$3,414
Frequently asked questions
How does this estimator calculate my refund?
It compares the income tax already withheld from your pay (boxes on your T4 and RL-1 slips) to the tax you actually owe for the year, calculated with the same 2026 tax engine as our net-salary calculator. If too much was withheld, you get a refund; otherwise, a balance owing.
Where do I find the amounts to enter?
Your employment income is in box 14 of the T4 (and box A of the RL-1). Federal tax withheld is in box 22 of the T4. Quebec tax withheld is in box E of the RL-1. In Quebec, federal and provincial returns are filed separately, hence the two distinct amounts.
Why is the result only an estimate?
The calculation applies the basic personal amount but ignores RRSP contributions, dependent credits, medical expenses, donations, tuition and other deductions. QPP, QPIP and Employment Insurance are not refundable income tax and are excluded. For an exact figure, file your returns or use certified tax software.
Why do people get a refund?
Your employer withholds tax each pay based on an estimate. If that estimate exceeds your actual tax — often because of credits or a partial year worked — the difference is refunded to you after you file your returns.
Is my data saved?
No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser: no information is sent to or stored on our servers.
Related guides
Sources and references
Simplified estimate based on the basic personal amount, with no additional RRSP, credits or deductions. For an exact figure, file your T1 and TP-1 returns.
Author's note: a big refund isn't a gift — it's money you lent the government interest-free all year. If yours is large every year, ask your employer to adjust your withholdings: you'll have more money on each paycheque instead of one lump sum in the spring.