If you’re an employee, the IRS Withholding Calculator can help you determine whether your current federal income tax withholding is accurate. By using this tool, you can find out if you should provide your employer with an updated Form W-4, to avoid having too much or too little tax withheld from your paycheck.
Who can benefit from the Withholding Calculator
This calculator is especially useful for:
Employees who want to adjust their withholding to reduce a large refund or balance due at tax time.
Individuals whose financial situations are not easily reflected on the paper Form W-4 (such as those with multiple jobs, dual-income households, or Head of Household filers).
Employees with additional non-wage income—like dividends, interest, or self-employment earnings—who prefer to cover that tax through paycheck withholding instead of making estimated payments.
Helpful Tips for Accurate Results
Keep your most recent pay stubs nearby.
Have a copy of your latest income tax return for reference.
Use estimated amounts if necessary—remember, your results are only as accurate as the information you enter.