Tax Withholding Calculator Check your paycheck before April checks you.
Withholding too little means a surprise bill. Withholding too much means lending the government your money interest-free all year. Enter your pay details to see whether you are on track, and what to change on your W-4 if you are not.
Your Paycheck
Results update as you type.
Projected Balance Due
Annual Projection
Tax Owed vs. Withheld
Every Paycheck
Where Each Paycheck Goes — Paid Every Two Weeks
The same figures shown per pay period and annualized, so you can compare them against your actual pay stub line by line.
| Line item | Per pay period | Per year | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $3,800 | $98,800 | Earned |
| Federal income tax withheld | $420 | $10,920 | Withheld |
| Social Security & Medicare | $291 | $7,558 | Withheld |
| Take-home pay | $3,089 | $80,322 | Yours |
Withholding is a target, not a tax
An estimate, not tax advice
This calculator provides a simplified estimate for planning purposes only. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and your payroll department use the official withholding tables. Talk with Alumbra CPA about your specific facts.
- A big refund is not a win. It means you overpaid throughout the year and went without that money in every paycheck.
- Underpayment penalties can apply if you owe too much at filing. Generally you need to have paid in at least 90% of the current year's tax or 100% of last year's.
- Check your withholding after any change: a raise, a bonus, a second job, marriage, a new child, or a spouse starting or leaving work.
- Line 4c is the simplest lever. To close a shortfall, add the per-period amount shown here as extra withholding on a new W-4.
- Social Security and Medicare are separate. They are fixed percentages and are not affected by your W-4 choices.
- Not included here: bonuses withheld at supplemental rates, multiple-job worksheets, self-employment income, capital gains, and most credits beyond the dependent credits.
The best time to fix withholding is before December
A mid-year review gives you enough paychecks left to correct course smoothly instead of scrambling at filing time. We can help you run the numbers and complete a new W-4.