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| Issue Number: Tax Tip 2021-75
Checking withholding can help taxpayers decide if they need to give their employer a new W-4
All taxpayers should review their federal withholding each year to make sure they're not having too little or too much tax withheld.
Employees, retirees and self-employed individuals can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to help decide if they should make a change to their withholding. This online tool guides users, step-by-step through the process of checking their withholding, and provides withholding recommendations to help aim for their desired refund amount when they file next year. Taxpayers can check with their employer to update their withholding or submit a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate.
Adjustments to withholding
Individuals should generally increase withholding if they hold more than one job at a time or have income from sources not subject to withholding. If they don't make any changes, they will likely owe additional tax and possibly penalties when filing their tax return.
Individuals should generally decrease their withholding if they qualify for income tax credits or deductions other than the basic standard deduction.
Either way, those who need to adjust their withholding must prepare a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate. They need to submit the new Form W-4 to their employer as soon as possible since withholding occurs throughout the year.
Individuals who should check their withholding include those:
- whose spouse is an employee
- who are working two or more jobs at the same time or who only work for part of the year
- who claim credits such as the child tax credit
- with dependents age 17 or older
- who itemized deductions on prior year returns
- with high incomes and more complex tax returns
- with large tax refunds or large tax bills for last year
Tax Withholding Estimator benefits
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help taxpayers:
- determine if they should complete a new Form W-4.
- know what information to put on a new Form W-4.
- save time because the tool completes the form worksheets.
Taxpayers should prepare before using the Tax Withholding Estimator by having their most recent pay statements, information for other income sources and their most recent income tax return. The tool does not ask for sensitive information such as name, Social Security number, address, or bank account numbers.
State or local withholding
Some individuals might also need to adjust their state or local withholding. They can contact their state's department of revenue to learn more.
More information:
Video: How to Use the IRS Withholding Estimator
Tax Withholding Estimator FAQs
Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
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