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Withholding Tax Calculator
Estimate your federal tax withholding per paycheck.
Enter values to see your result
Frequently asked questions
Why does my W-4 matter?
It tells your employer how much federal tax to withhold per paycheck. Incorrect W-4 = owing at tax time (too little withheld) or giving an interest-free loan to the government (too much).
Should I aim for a refund?
Financially — no. A large refund means too much was withheld. Optimal: withholding matches actual liability, no refund, no balance. Behaviorally — some prefer refunds as forced savings.
How do I change withholding?
Submit a new W-4 to HR. Can be changed anytime. Use IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (irs.gov) for accurate amounts.
What about FICA?
Social Security + Medicare (7.65%) are separate from income tax withholding. Always withheld; not affected by W-4.