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Tax Withholding Estimator

Use this tool to estimate the correct amount of tax your employer (W-2) or pension provider should withhold each year. 

You can download a completed Form W-4 or Form W-4P and give it to your employer or pension provider. Depending on the results, this could help you avoid having too little tax withheld, making it less likely you'll owe a penalty when you file your tax return. Or, it may help you avoid having too much tax withheld, giving you a bigger paycheck now but a smaller refund later. 

 

You can only use this tool if you have one of the following:

  • A job with an employer (W-2)
  • A pension or annuity with federal income tax withholding

You can’t use this tool if you have nonresident status for U.S. tax purposes. Use Notice 1392, Supplemental Form W-4 Instructions for Nonresident Aliens. 

Learn more about what it means to be a U.S. resident for tax purposes. 

Start your estimate

What you need

  • Your most recent paystubs for your jobs, pensions, or annuities
  • Your spouse’s most recent paystubs for their jobs, pensions, or annuities (if you think you’ll file jointly)

If you have other sources of income or think you might itemize your deductions, you’ll also need:

  • Your most recent federal tax return
  • Payment records for self-employment, gig work, or Social Security
  • Records for expenses if you plan to itemize deductions or claim adjustments

What to expect

To estimate your federal tax withholding, we'll ask you about:



  1. You and your spouse, if you have one
  2. Your income
  3. Any adjustments, deductions, or credits you think you might claim

This should take about 25 minutes. If you're not sure how to answer, we'll help you along the way.

The estimator doesn't ask for personal information such as your name, Social Security number, address, or bank account numbers. Your information won’t be saved or shared with the IRS. If you close your browser window, your responses will be cleared.

When to check your withholding

Check your withholding every January to make sure it’s correct for the year. This helps you prevent an unexpected tax bill, avoid penalties, and maximize your take-home pay.

You should also check your withholding when you have a major life change, including:

  • New job or other paid work
  • Major income change
  • Marriage, divorce, or separation
  • Child birth or adoption
  • Home purchase

If you change your withholding during the year, you may need to update it again in late December to withhold the right amount next year.

After you use the estimator

If you decide to change your tax withholding, you can use your estimate to generate a pre-filled Form W-4 or Form W-4P. This form helps you update your tax withholding with your employer, pension provider, or their payroll or human resource system.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

For more information about how to use the estimator, check the FAQs.

Start your estimate