Tax Withholding Calculator

$75,000 Single Filer, $4,000 Withheld YTD, 8 Periods Remaining

Annual tax liability on $75,000: ~$10,294. If $4,000 is already withheld with 8 pay periods remaining, you need to withhold ~$783/paycheck to break even. If your current withholding is $650/paycheck, you are on pace to owe ~$1,094 — consider increasing W-4 withholding.

Use this tax withholding calculator to find out if you are on track to owe nothing (or get a small refund) at tax time. Enter your income, filing status, and year-to-date withholding to see if you need to adjust your W-4.

Uses 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deduction
Does not account for itemized deductions, tax credits, or other income
State tax withholding not included — this is federal only
For accuracy, use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at IRS.gov for complex situations

How do I change my tax withholding?

Submit a new Form W-4 to your employer. The current W-4 (redesigned in 2020) has 5 steps. Step 2 addresses multiple jobs; Step 3 claims dependents/credits; Step 4 allows extra withholding. Changes typically take effect within 1–2 pay periods.

Is it better to get a refund or owe at tax time?

A large refund means you gave the government an interest-free loan all year. Owing a small amount (but avoiding the underpayment penalty) means you had use of that money throughout the year. The penalty kicks in when you owe more than $1,000 and paid less than 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax.

What is the IRS underpayment penalty?

If you owe more than $1,000 at filing AND your withholding was less than 90% of your current year tax liability (or 100% of last year's), you may owe an underpayment penalty. The penalty rate is tied to the federal funds rate — currently around 7–8% annualized on the underpaid amount.

W-4 Withholding Check

Withholding Summary