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W-4 calculator (2026): the right Steps 3 and 4 for a refund of exactly what you want
Most people either over-withhold (a big refund is an interest-free loan to the IRS) or, with two jobs in the household, under-withhold and get a bill in April. Enter the household's jobs, dependents and other income; the calculator computes the year's federal tax from the 2026 tables, compares it with what the default W-4 would withhold, and fills in Step 3 credits and Step 4 adjustments so the two match — plus whatever refund you choose. Preview free; the completed, printable W-4 is $4.99.
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How the W-4 numbers are worked out
- Household tax: all wages + other income − standard deduction − extra deductions through the 2026 brackets for your filing status, minus child and dependent credits ($2,200 per child under 17, $500 per other dependent).
- Default withholding: what each job withholds with only Step 1 filled in — each job assumes it is your only income and gives you a full standard deduction, which is why a second job under-withholds.
- The fix: Step 3 credits and Step 4(a)/(b) go on the higher-paying job's W-4; the remaining shortfall becomes a per-paycheck amount in Step 4(c). Leave the other job's W-4 at Step 1 only. If the defaults over-withhold, Step 4(b) is raised instead.
When to redo your W-4
New job, second job, marriage or divorce, a child born, a large refund or bill last year, or a change in side income. You can hand your employer a new W-4 any time; it takes effect within one or two pay periods.
Frequently asked
Should I check the Step 2(c) box instead?
The checkbox is the IRS's rough fix for two jobs with similar pay (it halves the standard deduction and brackets at both jobs). Step 4(c) computed from the actual figures is exact for any pair of incomes, so the calculator uses that and leaves the box unchecked.
Does this cover state withholding?
No — state forms (DE 4, IT-2104, etc.) are separate. The paycheck calculator shows the state amount your employer should withhold.
Can my employer accept this printed form?
Yes if they accept substitute W-4s (many do; payroll portals just ask for the same boxes). Otherwise copy the five values onto their form — they are identical.
What if my income changes mid-year?
Re-run it with the year-to-date figures in mind and file a new W-4; withholding is not retroactive, so a mid-year change spreads the correction over the remaining paychecks.