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W-4 Calculator

Estimate the right paycheck withholding for your W-4.

Updated for the 2026 tax year · Last data update May 19, 2026
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How to Use

  1. Enter your annual income and filing status.
  2. Choose how often you are paid.
  3. Add children under 17 and other dependents.
  4. Optionally add extra withholding.
  5. Review the recommended per-paycheck withholding.

Calculation Method

We project your annual federal tax from the 2026 brackets and standard deduction, subtract the Child Tax Credit ($2,000 per child under 17) and $500 per other dependent, then divide by your number of pay periods. Extra withholding is added on top.

Data source: IRS Form W-4 and 2026 Revenue Procedure.

Examples

Single, \$75,000, biweekly

Projected tax ÷ 26 pay periods.

≈ \$295 / paycheck

Frequently Asked Questions

It aims to roughly match withholding to your projected tax. Real results depend on credits, other income and mid-year changes.

Each child under 17 reduces your projected tax by \$2,000 (Child Tax Credit) and other dependents by \$500, lowering required withholding.

If you have side income, investment income, or owed tax last year, adding a flat extra amount per paycheck helps you avoid a balance due.

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Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. SmartTaxCalcs does not provide tax advice. Your actual tax liability may differ based on your specific situation, recent law changes, and circumstances not modeled here (e.g., AMT, NIIT, special credits). We strongly recommend consulting a qualified tax professional (CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney) before filing or making financial decisions.

Data source: IRS Revenue Procedure / state Departments of Revenue. Last data update: May 19, 2026.

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