Now that tax season is over, it's time to get the new tax year off to a good start by checking your federal income tax withholding. Taxpayers can do this by using the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov. Let's take a look at why using this valuable online tool is a good idea:

The Tax Withholding Estimator helps employees avoid having too much or too little tax withheld from their wages. It is also useful for self-employed individuals who have wage income or estimated tax payments that they need to make to avoid unexpected tax bills when filing their annual returns. Having too little withheld can result in a tax bill or even a penalty at tax time; having too much withheld results in less money in their pocket. In other words, the estimator can be used to help taxpayers get to a balance of zero or a desired refund amount.

The Tax Withholding Estimator also helps taxpayers figure out whether they need to complete a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate and submit it to their employer or make an additional or estimated tax payment to the IRS.

How it Works

The Tax Withholding Estimator asks taxpayers to estimate:

  • Their 2022 income.
  • The number of children they will claim for the child tax credit and earned income tax credit.
  • Other items that will affect their 2022 tax return when they file in 2023.

The online tool does not ask for personally identifiable information, such as a name, Social Security number, address, and bank account numbers. The IRS doesn't save or record the information entered in the Estimator.

Gather Tax Documents

Before using the Estimator, it can be helpful for taxpayers to gather applicable income documents, including:

  • Their pay stubs
  • Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement , from employers to estimate their annual income
  • Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment
    • compensation, dividends, distributions from a pension, annuity or retirement plan
  • Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2, or other income statement for workers in the gig economy
  • Form 1099-INT for interest received
  • Other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions

These documents are not needed to use the estimator but having them handy will help taxpayers estimate 2022 income and answer other questions asked during the process.

Taxpayers should be aware that the results of the Tax Withholding Estimator will only be as accurate as the information entered by the taxpayer. It should also be noted that individuals with only pension income should not use the Estimator. Those with wage income can account for current or future pension income. People with more complex tax situations, including those who owe alternative minimum tax or certain other taxes and people with long-term capital gains or qualified dividends, are advised to consult with a tax professional.