W-4 Calculator 2026
Use our withholding calculator to see how much federal tax to withhold from your paycheck, and what to change on your W-4 to get the refund you want.
Have your most recent pay stub handy.
- Gather your pay stubsYour most recent one, and your spouse's if you file jointly.
- Answer the questionsAbout your family, your pay and the tax taken out of it.
- Update your W-4Fill in the change we show you and give the form to your employer.
Ready to update your W-4?
Three steps to put your new withholding in place.
- Download the formThe 2026 Form W-4 (on the IRS website, opens in a new tab), from the IRS.
- Fill it inEnter the change from your results, and keep the rest of your W-4 as it is. In January, use the amount for next year.
- Give it to your employerYour payroll or HR team, not the IRS, as soon as you can.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to W-4 allowances?
Since 2020, the W-4 no longer uses allowances. Instead of a number of allowances, you enter dollar amounts: the credits for your dependents in Step 3, other income in Step 4(a), deductions in Step 4(b) and any extra withholding in Step 4(c).
How does my W-4 change my take-home pay?
Your W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to take out of each paycheck. More withholding means smaller paychecks and a bigger refund. Less withholding means bigger paychecks, but you may owe when you file.
How do I change my withholding?
Fill out a new Form W-4 and give it to your employer's payroll or HR team. The change usually starts within a pay period or two. You don't send the W-4 to the IRS.
When should I give my employer a new W-4?
When something changes: a new job or a second job, marriage or divorce, a new baby, a big change in pay, or a refund or tax bill bigger than you wanted. If you change it late in the year to catch up, give your employer a new one in January with the amount for a full year.
How do I set my W-4 for a refund at tax time?
Enter the refund you would like under Your goal. The calculator shows the extra amount to withhold from each paycheck, which goes in Step 4(c) of your W-4.
How does this W-4 calculator work?
It projects your pay and the federal income tax withheld for the whole year from your pay stub, works out your tax with the 2026 brackets, standard deduction and credits, including the deductions for tips, overtime, seniors and car loan interest, and compares the two. Then it shows the change for the rest of the year, and for a full year from January.
What is new on the 2026 W-4?
The child tax credit in Step 3 is $2,200 for each child under 17, and the Step 4(b) deductions worksheet has new lines for qualified tips, overtime, car loan interest and the deduction for people 65 or older.
How often should I check my withholding?
At least once a year, ideally early in the year, and again after any big change in your life or your pay.
Why check my withholding at all?
To avoid a surprise tax bill, and an underpayment penalty, when you file. Or, if you get a big refund every year, to keep more of each paycheck instead.
What do I need to use the W-4 calculator?
Your most recent pay stub, and your spouse's if you file jointly. Last year's tax return helps you estimate your other income and deductions.
More tax calculators and money-saving tools
See all tax tools- Tax CalculatorSee your estimated refund, or what you may owe, for this year or last.
- Tax Bracket CalculatorFind your federal tax bracket and your effective tax rate.
- Self-Employed Tax CalculatorEstimate your self-employment tax, income tax and quarterly payments.
- Crypto Tax CalculatorWork out the gain or loss, and the tax, on a crypto sale.
- Self-Employed Tax Deductions CalculatorFind the write-offs for your line of work, and what they save you.
- Tax Reform CalculatorSee how the new tax law, in effect since 2025, changes your taxes, line by line.
Want help with your withholding?
Our tax experts can check your paychecks with you, plan your W-4 for two jobs or a working spouse, and prepare and file your return.
These calculators give estimates of federal tax for planning, not tax advice. Pinnacle Tax Professionals confirms the final numbers when we prepare your return.
