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Tax Withholding Estimator

Make sure this tool is right for you

The Tax Withholding Estimator is not yet updated to reflect certain provisions of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The estimator has been updated to account for the increased standard deduction and Child Tax Credit amounts for tax year 2025 from the OBBBA.

Check if you should use this tool to update your withholding for the rest of 2025.

Use this tool to estimate the federal income tax you want your employer to withhold from your pay on Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate. Learn more about tax withholding.

Who can use this tool

Use the Tax Withholding Estimator if your tax situation doesn’t include any of the factors listed next.

Don't use this tool if you:

  • Have nonresident alien status. Use Notice 1392, Supplemental Form W-4 Instructions for Nonresident Aliens.
  • Earned income from tips or overtime
  • Paid interest on a loan for a new car purchased after Dec. 31, 2024
  • Paid more than $10,000 in state and local taxes
  • Are age 65 or older

Instead, use the 2025 Form W-4 Step 4(b)—Deductions Worksheet PDF when you complete Form W-4, or consult a tax professional. Do not use both the Worksheet and the estimator.

If you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN) valid for work

You may no longer be eligible for certain credits, including the Child Tax Credit, if you (and your spouse, if married filing jointly) don’t have an SSN valid for work. In this case, using information from the estimator may result in less tax withheld from your paycheck. This may lead to a smaller refund or larger balance due when you file your tax return.

If you update your withholding in 2025 

Recheck and update your withholding at the start of 2026.

How it works

Use this tool to:

  • Estimate your federal income tax withholding
  • See how your refund, take-home pay or tax due are affected by withholding amount
  • Help you choose an estimated withholding amount that works for you

Results are as accurate as the information you enter.

What you need

Have this ready:

  • Paystubs for all your jobs (and your spouse’s too, if married filing jointly)
  • Other income amounts (side jobs, self-employment, investments, etc.)
  • Most recent tax return

The information you enter isn't saved.

Use the Tax Withholding Estimator

More on tax withholding

Forms W-4

After you use the estimator

Use your estimate to make any desired changes your tax withholding amount on Form W-4.

To change your tax withholding amount:

To keep your same tax withholding amount:

  • You don't need to do anything at this time.

  • Check your withholding again when needed and each year with the estimator. This helps you make sure the amount withheld works for your circumstance.

When to check your withholding

Check your tax withholding every year, especially:

When you have a major life change

  • New job or other paid work

  • Major income change
  • Marriage
  • Childbirth or adoption
  • Home purchase

If you changed your withholding mid-year

  • Check your tax withholding at year-end, and adjust as needed with a new W-4

If you have more questions about your withholding, ask your employer or tax advisor.

Why check your withholding

There are several reasons to check your withholding:

  • It can protect against having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time next year.
  • It can let you adjust your tax withheld up front, so you receive a bigger paycheck and smaller refund at tax time.

Security

The Tax Withholding Estimator doesn't ask for personal information such as your name, Social Security number, address or bank account numbers.

We don't save or record the information you enter in the estimator.

Find how to protect yourself from tax scams.