Tools

Paycheck Withholding Checkup

This tool estimates whether your federal withholding is likely to lead to a refund, break-even, or an amount due. It’s a direction-check — not an official tax calculation.

Your paycheck info

Filing status

We use this to estimate a standard deduction and bracket structure (simplified).

Pay frequency

Gross pay per paycheck

Federal income tax withheld per paycheck

This is the “Federal Income Tax” line on your pay stub (not Social Security/Medicare).

I have other income (interest, side gigs, spouse income, etc.)

I expect tax credits (Child Tax Credit, education credits, etc.)

I want a mid-year checkup (how much to withhold per remaining paycheck)

Result

You’re likely close to break-even.

Your projected withholding and rough tax estimate are within about $500 of each other.

This is usually ideal — small refund or small amount due.

Projected annual wages$0

Standard deduction (estimate)$15,750

Estimated taxable income$0

Rough federal tax estimate$0

Projected federal withholding$0

Refund-ish amount$0

Next steps:

Disclaimer: Educational estimate only, based on 2025 federal tax rules. This tool uses simplified assumptions and does not account for all deductions, credits, or special situations. It's best used as a quick direction check. Not tax advice — consult IRS guidance or a tax professional for specific situations.