What if I'm not sure if I'll get a refund or owe money?
If you got a refund last year and your income and circumstances haven't changed much, you'll probably get a refund again this year.
If your income and circumstances have changed substantially, or if you didn't file a return last year, we recommend using FreeTaxUSA to estimate your refund or amount owed. You can switch to your regular return and enter your information to help estimate if you'll get a refund or owe money: Menu Path: My 2025 Return.
If there is a chance you will owe money to the IRS with your tax return instead of getting a refund, we recommend making a payment with your extension in order to avoid penalties and interest from the IRS. Paying any estimated amount owed can help you avoid penalties or interest from the IRS. If you make a payment with your extension, we'll remind you to enter that extension payment when you fill out your regular tax return. That way if you end up overpaying the IRS, you can get a refund when you file your regular tax return.
If your income and circumstances have changed substantially, or if you didn't file a return last year, we recommend using FreeTaxUSA to estimate your refund or amount owed. You can switch to your regular return and enter your information to help estimate if you'll get a refund or owe money: Menu Path: My 2025 Return.
If there is a chance you will owe money to the IRS with your tax return instead of getting a refund, we recommend making a payment with your extension in order to avoid penalties and interest from the IRS. Paying any estimated amount owed can help you avoid penalties or interest from the IRS. If you make a payment with your extension, we'll remind you to enter that extension payment when you fill out your regular tax return. That way if you end up overpaying the IRS, you can get a refund when you file your regular tax return.
