Know what to bring.
Start with a document checklist tailored to your income sources. Keep the actual slips and sensitive records in a secure location.
Personal tax, made understandable
Your return.
Your questions.
All accounted for.
Understand what shapes your refund, collect the right documents, and arrive at tax season with a clearer picture.
No guaranteed refunds. No advance loans. No SIN required.
The simple explanation
Where a refund
comes from.
Income tax withheldWhat you already paid
Less: final income taxWhat you actually owe
Plus: eligible refundable creditsWhere applicable
The difference is your refund —
or your balance to pay.
or your balance to pay.
Conceptual explanation. The simplified estimator below excludes refundable credits, benefits, instalments and other payments.
A refund is your money coming back.
≡ Every assumption visible◎ Clear document preparation↗ A plan beyond tax season
Your return has a story
More than
a T4?
A straightforward employment return and a household with rental, investment or business income need different levels of attention.
Ask better questions.
See how income tax withheld and an eligible RRSP deduction can affect an employment-only estimate.
Connect the whole picture.
If you own a business, coordinate your personal return with company tax, compensation and cash flow planning.
An estimate, with the workings
What might
come back?
For 2026 employment income in Alberta and Ontario. Single, no dependants, one employer, full-year resident, aged 18–64.
Your income-tax-only refund / balance estimate
—
Enter your annual income tax withheld to see the difference.
Estimated federal income tax—
Estimated provincial income tax—
Total estimated income tax—
Income tax already withheld—
Estimated tax saved by entered RRSP—
A positive difference suggests a refund. A negative difference suggests a balance owing. This is a simplified estimate, not confirmation from CRA.
See assumptions + official sources ↗Excludes refundable credits and benefits, other income, instalments, dependants and additional deductions. Includes employment amount, basic personal amounts and eligible CPP/EI credits. See the full methodology for Ontario adjustments.
A more organized tax season
Your documents.
A clear starting list.
Choose what applies to you. Download a checklist without entering your name, email address or tax account details.
Before you file
Clarity on
the essentials.
Can you guarantee a bigger refund?
No. Your actual tax result depends on your facts, the law and the payments already made. The aim is a complete, accurate return and an explanation you understand.
Can I file a return through this site?
This educational site does not file returns or accept tax documents. Choose your own qualified professional or authorized filing software when you are ready to file.
Why does the estimator need tax withheld?
Income alone cannot tell you your refund. The estimator compares annual income tax already withheld against estimated income tax due. CPP and EI are separate payroll deductions, so do not include them in the withheld-tax field.
What if I am self-employed or have a rental?
The employment-only calculator does not cover that income. Use the document checklist as a preparation aid, then ask an accountant to review business expenses, instalments, sales taxes and your complete household situation.