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2026 paycheck withholding planner

2026 Form W-4 Extra Withholding Calculator

Estimate the extra amount to enter on Form W-4 Step 4(c) so the remaining 2026 paychecks cover your expected federal tax and target refund cushion.

Step 4(c) signalCalculating...

Enter paycheck and tax estimates to update the recommendation.

Paycheck inputs

Step 4(c) recommendation

Enter on Step 4(c)$0

Waiting for inputs.

New catch-up per paycheck$0Waiting for inputs.
Projected total paid$0Waiting for inputs.
Projected refund / cushion$0Waiting for inputs.
Current setup balance$0Waiting for inputs.
Monthly cash-flow impact$0Waiting for inputs.
Coordination flagSingle-job withholding checkUse the official estimator when multiple jobs or spouse income are involved.

Refund target comparison

Compare how Step 4(c) changes when the refund cushion is removed or increased. This keeps the output practical for a payroll update, not a full tax return.

ScenarioTotal targetStep 4(c)New catch-up
Target refund entered$0$0$0

What this calculator does

The tool projects total withholding from amounts already withheld, expected remaining payroll withholding, other tax payments, and a target refund cushion. It then converts any gap into a per-paycheck extra withholding amount for Form W-4 Step 4(c).

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