Tax Withholding Calculator (W-4)

Calculate your recommended W-4 withholding for 2026. Estimate federal income tax using 2026 brackets, standard deductions, and child tax credits. Check if you're under or over-withheld.

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Estimated Annual Tax
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Effective Tax Rate —
Estimated After-Tax Income —
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
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With Extra Withholding —
Estimated Annual Tax —
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
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Total Gross Income —
Deduction Used —
Taxable Income —
Federal Income Tax (before credits) —
Total Credits Applied —
Net Federal Tax —
Self-Employment Tax (on side income) —
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Recommended W-4 Monthly Withholding —
Effective Tax Rate —

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your annual salary and filing status.
  2. Enter number of qualifying children under 17 for Child Tax Credit.
  3. Results show estimated annual tax, effective rate, and recommended monthly withholding.
  4. Use Check Current to see if you're over or under-withheld right now.
  5. Use the Professional tab to add 1099 income, itemized deductions, and education credits.

Formula

2026 Tax Brackets (Single): 10% up to $11,925 | 12% to $48,475 | 22% to $103,350 | 24% to $197,300 | 32% to $250,525 | 35% to $626,350 | 37% above

Standard Deduction 2026: Single $15,000 | MFJ $30,000 | HOH $22,500

Example

Example: Single, $75,000 salary, 0 dependents. Standard deduction $15,000. Taxable income = $60,000. Tax = $1,192.50 + ($60,000−$11,925) × 12% ... = ~$9,430. Monthly withholding: $786/month. Effective rate: 12.6%.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For 2026, the estimated standard deduction is $15,000 for Single filers, $30,000 for Married Filing Jointly, and $22,500 for Head of Household (projected with inflation adjustment from 2025 values).
  • The Child Tax Credit is $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. It directly reduces your tax bill dollar-for-dollar. Up to $1,700 may be refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit.
  • If you withhold too little, you'll owe taxes when you file and may face an IRS underpayment penalty. The penalty applies if you owe more than $1,000 and withheld less than 90% of current-year tax or 100% of prior-year tax.
  • The 2020+ W-4 form no longer uses allowances (0 or 1). Instead, it uses dollars. For accurate withholding, enter your actual deductions and credits on Steps 3 and 4 of the W-4 form.
  • If you have self-employment, freelance, or investment income with no withholding, you must pay quarterly estimated taxes. Payments are due in April, June, September, and January. Use Form 1040-ES.

Related Calculators

💵 Income Tax Calculator 💰 Paycheck Calculator 🏠 Take-Home Pay Calculator 📊 Tax Bracket Calculator
Sources & References (5) ▾
  1. IRS — Tax Withholding Estimator — Internal Revenue Service
  2. IRS Publication 505 — Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax — Internal Revenue Service
  3. IRS — Form W-4 Employee's Withholding Certificate — Internal Revenue Service
  4. IRS Publication 15 (Circular E) — Employer Tax Guide — Internal Revenue Service
  5. Tax Foundation — Federal Income Tax Brackets — Tax Foundation