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W-4 calculator

Find out now whether this year’s withholding will cover your tax, and the one number to put on your W-4 if it won’t.

This year (2026)

All jobs, and spouse if filing jointly
No tax withheld on this
Year-to-date on your latest pay stub
0 to aim for breaking even

Saved in this browser only.

W-4 CHECK · 2026EASYTAXCALC
On track: over-withheld by
$510
Tax for the year$7,010
Withheld so far$5,200
8 more checks × $290$2,320
Overpayment$510

You could lower withholding (Step 4(b) deductions or Step 3 credits) if you would rather keep the money now.

The 2020-and-later W-4, briefly

  1. Step 1: name and filing status.
  2. Step 2: two jobs or a working spouse. Check the box, or use the IRS estimator.
  3. Step 3: child and dependent credits, which lower withholding.
  4. Step 4(a) other income, 4(b) deductions beyond the standard, 4(c) extra withholding per paycheck, the easiest lever.

The W-4 no longer uses “allowances.” For the refund you would get at your current setting, try the tax refund calculator.

Questions people ask

How do I fill out a W-4 so I don’t owe?

Estimate your full-year tax, subtract what will be withheld at your current setting, and divide any shortfall by the paychecks left in the year. Enter that per-paycheck figure in Step 4(c), “Extra withholding.” The calculator does this arithmetic.

What goes in Step 3 of the W-4?

Step 3 is for credits: $2,200 for each child under 17 (2026) and $500 for other dependents, if your income is under $200,000 ($400,000 joint). Claiming it lowers withholding across the year.

I have two jobs. What should I do?

Each employer withholds as if its job were your only one, so both apply the lower brackets and the standard deduction. Check the Step 2 box on both W-4s if the jobs pay similar amounts, or put extra withholding on the higher-paying job. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator handles complex cases.

When should I update my W-4?

After marriage or divorce, a new child, a second job, a big raise, starting side income, or a large refund or balance due last year. Changes take effect within a pay period or two.