Tax Withholding Calculator
Estimate the federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare withheld from each paycheck in 2026. Change filing status, children and extra withholding to see how your W-4 choices change take-home pay.
How to Use the Tax Withholding Calculator
- Enter your pay and frequency.
- Set filing status and children under More options.
- Add extra withholding to test a W-4 change.
- Read federal tax per paycheck and per year.
What This Tax Withholding Calculator Estimates
It estimates per-paycheck withholding and annual tax for wages, using the IRS percentage method, the 2026 standard deductions and brackets, and the $2,200 child tax credit. Open More options to change filing status, children, pre-tax deductions and extra withholding.
How Withholding Is Set
Your employer uses your Form W-4 and pay frequency to figure withholding. Filing status, the multiple-jobs step, dependents, other income, deductions and extra withholding are the W-4 inputs. Learn each step in W-4 withholding and federal income tax withholding.
Withholding vs the Tax You Actually Owe
Withholding is an estimate paid throughout the year. Your actual tax is figured when you file. If too much was withheld you get a refund. If too little, you owe. Use the extra withholding field to see the effect of adding a few dollars per check.
Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator for a Precise W-4
This calculator gives quick estimates. For a complete W-4 based on your full situation, including other income and credits, use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
Ways to Change Your Withholding
- Update your W-4 with your employer.
- Add extra withholding in Step 4(c) to avoid a balance due.
- Increase pre-tax contributions to a 401(k), HSA or FSA.
- Claim qualifying children in Step 3.
2026 Federal Quick Facts Behind This Calculator
These are the federal figures every calculator on this site uses for 2026 (see how take-home pay is calculated).
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Social Security (employee) | 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 (maximum $11,439.00) |
| Medicare (employee) | 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000 |
| Standard deduction | $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household |
| Child tax credit | $2,200 per qualifying child under 17 |
| 401(k) employee limit | $24,500 |
Federal income tax brackets:
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $12,400 | $0 to $24,800 | $0 to $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,400 to $50,400 | $24,800 to $100,800 | $17,700 to $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,400 to $105,700 | $100,800 to $211,400 | $67,450 to $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,700 to $201,775 | $211,400 to $403,550 | $105,700 to $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,775 to $256,225 | $403,550 to $512,450 | $201,750 to $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,225 to $640,600 | $512,450 to $768,700 | $256,200 to $640,600 |
| 37% | $640,600 and up | $768,700 and up | $640,600 and up |
Example Scenarios
A single filer on $75,000 can test how a $25 extra withholding per paycheck changes take-home. Married filers can compare filing statuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much federal tax should be withheld from my paycheck?
It depends on income, filing status and W-4. Enter your pay above for an estimate.
How do I avoid owing tax in April?
Add extra withholding, check the multiple-jobs step, and compare with the IRS estimator.
How do I get a bigger paycheck?
Reduce withholding only if you are over-withholding. See paycheck withholding.
Does this include state withholding?
Yes. It uses simplified state rules for all 50 states and DC.
How accurate is this withholding calculator?
It uses the IRS percentage method and the 2026 standard deductions. It does not see other income, itemized deductions or credits beyond the child tax credit, so use the IRS estimator for a full W-4.
Does it include state withholding?
Yes, with simplified state rules for all 50 states and DC.
How these numbers are figured: 2026 IRS withholding rules (Publication 15-T) and state figures last verified September 2026. Results are estimates. Read the full methodology and sources.
Related Calculators and Guides
Want a state-specific result? Try California, Texas, New York, Florida.
or see all state calculators.