W-4 Calculator
Watch: How to fill out Form W-4, step by step (1:46)
Work out what to put on each step of your 2026 Form W-4: the Multiple Jobs Worksheet for Step 2, children and dependents for Step 3, and the deductions worksheet for Step 4(b). See your paycheck change as you go.
Compare two scenarios
- A (saved)
- B (the form now)
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An estimate of what your employer withholds, using the IRS percentage method. Your actual paycheck can differ by a few cents because of rounding, or by more if your employer uses other settings.
How we got your number
Each step links to the official document it comes from.
Guides: how to read your pay stub · filling out Form W-4 · biweekly vs semi-monthly pay · why pay rises after the Social Security cap · how much tax is taken out, by state · who gets overtime · 1099 vs W-2 pay
Filling in Form W-4, step by step
Step 1: filing status. Single or married filing separately, married filing jointly, or head of household. It sets the standard deduction and tax brackets your withholding uses.
Step 2: more than one job. If you have two or more jobs at once, or you are married filing jointly and your spouse also works, withholding on each job alone is too low because each one assumes it is your only income. Choose one option:
- 2(a) the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (most accurate);
- 2(b) the Multiple Jobs Worksheet on page 3 of the form: the helper above looks up the IRS table for your two or three jobs and gives the Step 4(c) amount for the highest paying job;
- 2(c) check the box on the W-4 for each of the two jobs. It works well when the two jobs pay about the same. The IRS says it is generally more accurate than 2(b) if the lower paying job pays more than half of the higher one.
Step 3: dependents. $2,200 for each child under 17 and $500 for each other dependent, if your income is $200,000 or less ($400,000 married filing jointly). Your employer withholds that much less over the year.
Step 4: other adjustments. 4(a) other income not from jobs (interest, dividends, retirement income) adds withholding; 4(b) deductions above the standard deduction, including qualified tips, overtime, car loan interest and the senior deduction, lowers it (see the Step 4(b) helper and our No Tax on Overtime Calculator); 4(c) is any extra amount you want withheld each paycheck.
Give the new form to your employer. They must start using it no later than the first payroll period ending on or after the 30th day after you hand it in. The form itself: IRS Form W-4 (2026).
W-4 Calculator questions
How do I fill out a W-4 if I have two jobs?
Use one of the Step 2 options: the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator, the Multiple Jobs Worksheet (put its result in Step 4(c) on the W-4 for your highest paying job only), or check the Step 2(c) box on the W-4 for both jobs. The helper above does the worksheet for you.
Should my spouse and I both check the Step 2(c) box?
Yes, if you are married filing jointly, each of you has one job, and the two pay about the same. If the pay is very different, the Multiple Jobs Worksheet or the IRS estimator is more accurate.
What happens if I claim 0 on my W-4?
The current W-4 has no allowances. Filling in only Step 1 (your filing status) and signing it gives standard withholding for your filing status, with no adjustments.
How much does each child lower my withholding?
Each child under 17 entered in Step 3 lowers federal withholding by $2,200 a year, spread across your paychecks; each other dependent by $500.
Will a new W-4 change my state withholding?
Usually not. Most states have their own withholding form. A few states use your federal W-4 answers; the calculator applies your state's rule.