Every tax season, millions of Americans sit down to file with one question in mind: Will I owe money this year, or get a refund? The answer depends on more than just your income; your filing status, the credits and deductions you qualify for and changes to the tax code all play a role.
That’s why it helps to get a read on your tax situation before you start filing. H&R Block’s free tax calculator lets you preview your potential refund after just a few questions, with no documents required and no commitment to file. You’ll be in good hands, as H&R Block was the CNET Editor’s Choice for best online tax software this year.
How life changes affect your taxes
Major life changes, like getting married or divorced, having a child or buying a home can affect your tax return.
One of the biggest factors is your filing status, which is generally based on your situation as of December 31 of the tax year. For example, if you got married on December 1, you would file as married for that entire year.
The main filing statuses are:
- Married filing jointly
- Married filing separately
- Single
- Head of household
If you got divorced during the year, you’d either file as single or head of household if you have a qualifying dependent living with you. Because your filing status directly impacts your tax bracket, standard deduction and eligibility for certain credits, it’s important to choose the right one.
When you use H&R Block’s DIY online software, your filing status is one of the first things you’re asked about. The guided interview walks you through your options so you’re not left guessing which category applies to you.
Having or adopting a child, changing jobs, entering retirement or relocating often can also change your tax obligations. For example, a job loss may affect your income bracket and open the door to credits you wouldn’t otherwise qualify for.H&R Block’s online software asks about all of these events as part of the interview process and will account for them in your return.
How to stay current with changing tax laws
Tax laws can change mid-year or between filing seasons, and it’s not always easy to know how a new rule affects your specific situation — or whether it applies to you at all. One of the biggest developments in 2025 was the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
This bill solidified many of the tax rules established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and also introduced new provisions. Some of those new rules apply to workers who earn overtime or tips, seniors, and buyers of new U.S.-made vehicles. If you fall into one of those categories, your return may look different than it has in previous years.
Fortunately, you don’t need to track these changes yourself. H&R Block’s online software is updated to reflect current tax law, so the relevant rules are already built in. If a new provision applies to your situation, the software will account for it. And if you have questions about how a specific tax law affects your return, AI Tax Assist is available to answer questions as you file.
What about credits and deductions in your estimate?
During tax season, many people leave money on the table because they don’t know which credits and deductions they’re eligible for. Unlike your withholdings, credits and deductions don’t apply to your return automatically; you have to know to claim them.
Tax credits are valuable because they reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit can significantly lower your tax bill or increase your refund. Deductions work differently, lowering your taxable income rather than your bill directly, but they can still have a real impact. The student loan interest deduction is one that borrowers frequently overlook.
H&R Block’s online software is designed to find these opportunities as you file. By asking questions about your income, family situation and finances, the software can identify credits and deductions specific to your situation. And every paid plan includes unlimited access to a live tax expert via chat if you need a real answer mid-filing.
Using a tax calculator to preview your refund
When used correctly, a tax calculator can give you an idea of your refund amount, point out documents you’ll need and identify credits you might not have thought to claim. With H&R Block’s free tax calculator, you can receive a quick estimate or a more detailed picture. The more information you provide, the closer your estimate will be to your actual refund.
H&R Block’s online calculator is free and doesn’t include any obligation to file. It’s a low-stakes way to reduce the uncertainty that makes tax season so stressful for many people. It’s helpful whether you’re a first-time filer or just want to know what to expect this year.
Whether you got married, welcomed a child or are just wondering what kind of refund you can expect, understanding your tax situation before you file helps you maximize your refund. H&R Block’s free tax calculator is a quick, no-commitment way to see where you stand and ensure you don’t overlook anything.
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