Tax Withholding Calculator
Check whether your paycheck withholding matches your 2026 federal tax, see the amount to withhold each pay period, and find the extra amount to enter on Form W-4 if you would owe. Example: a $75,000 single filer owes about $7,670 a year, or $295 per biweekly paycheck.
Show steps
How to use the Tax Withholding Calculator
- Enter your annual wages, filing status and number of qualifying children.
- Add other income and pre-tax deductions if you have them.
- Pick how often you are paid and enter the federal tax on one paycheck stub.
- Press Calculate to see the target withholding and any extra to put on Form W-4.
Formula and method
Your federal tax is figured from taxable income (wages plus other income minus pre-tax deductions and the standard deduction) using the 2026 brackets, less credits such as the $2,200 child tax credit. Withholding needed per paycheck is that tax divided by pay periods. If current withholding is lower, the gap divided by pay periods is the extra amount for Form W-4 Step 4(c).
Worked example: $75,000 wages, single, paid every two weeks
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Wages | $75,000 |
| Standard deduction | $16,100 |
| Taxable income | $58,900 |
| Federal income tax | $7,670 |
| Per biweekly paycheck (26) | $295.00 |
| With 1 qualifying child ($2,200 credit) | $5,470 a year, $210.38 per paycheck |
Form W-4 steps that change withholding
Step 1 sets your filing status. Step 2 matters if you have two jobs or a working spouse. Step 3 enters credits such as $2,200 per child. Step 4(a) adds other income, 4(b) adds deductions, and 4(c) adds a flat extra amount to withhold each pay period. Give the new W-4 to your employer; it takes effect on later paychecks.
Refund or balance due
A refund means you lent the government money during the year, and a balance due means too little was withheld. Neither is a bonus or a penalty by itself, but owing a large amount can trigger an underpayment penalty if withholding was under the safe harbor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my tax withholding?
Estimate your tax for the year from your taxable income and the brackets, subtract credits, then divide by your pay periods.
How do I get a bigger paycheck?
Lower your withholding with a new W-4, but only if you would still have enough withheld to avoid a balance due.
What do I enter in W-4 Step 4(c)?
The extra dollars you want withheld each pay period. This calculator shows the amount if you are under-withheld.
Will I get a refund?
Compare your total withholding for the year with your tax. If you withhold more, you get the difference back.
What is the penalty for under-withholding?
You may owe a penalty if you pay less than 90% of this year’s tax or 100% of last year’s through withholding and estimates.
Does withholding include Social Security and Medicare?
No. This calculator covers federal income tax only. FICA is withheld separately at 7.65%.
Should I use the IRS estimator?
For a precise W-4, yes. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator handles credits, itemizing and multiple jobs.
Sources
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