Paycheck check-up · 2026 tax year

Is Your Paycheck Withholding on Track?

Enter a few numbers from your most recent pay stub. We estimate your 2026 federal income tax, compare it with what you are on pace to pay, and show what to change on your Form W-4.

Filled with example figures. Replace with yours.

Your household

Filing status Children under 17 with Social Security numbers

Other dependents e.g. older children, parents Itemized deductions leave 0 to use the standard deduction

This job, from your pay stub

How often you are paid Paychecks left in 2026 estimated from today’s date

Gross pay per paycheck Pre-tax deductions per paycheck 401(k), health, HSA

Federal income tax withheld per paycheck Year-to-date federal taxable wages

Year-to-date federal income tax withheld

Everything else

Use full-year 2026 amounts. A spouse’s job counts here when you file jointly. Include RSU income that vests at another job here too.

Wages from other jobs Tax withheld from those jobs

Other income interest, dividends, rental profit, side business Estimated tax payments made for 2026

For business owners

How Our Tax Planning Helps Your Business

A withholding check fixes this year’s paycheck. Planning changes what you owe in the first place. We review your business before the year ends and give you a plan in plain language, with the steps to carry it out.

Structure

The right entity and owner pay

We look at whether an S corporation election and a reasonable salary could lower your self-employment tax, and set your own withholding so April holds no surprises.

Cash flow

Estimated taxes on a schedule

Quarterly payment amounts that fit your income, so you avoid underpayment penalties and keep cash for the business.

Deductions

Timing that works for you

Equipment, depreciation, vehicles, a home office, and accountable plans, each timed and documented so they hold up.

Retirement

Pay yourself first

A Solo 401(k), SEP, or other plan can build your savings while lowering taxable income.

Real estate

Rental and investor strategy

Depreciation, passive loss rules, and property sales planned ahead of time, not sorted out after the fact.

Payroll

Employees set up correctly

Correct W-4 handling, payroll filings, and California payroll rules, so your team is paid right and you stay compliant.

Ask About a Tax Plan

For employers

Withholding for Your Employees

This calculator is built for one person checking their own paycheck. Employers calculate withholding from each employee’s Form W-4 using the IRS Publication 15-T tables or payroll software.

Keep every employee’s current W-4 on file, and use the default settings when an employee does not turn one in.
A new W-4 takes effect no later than the start of the first payroll period ending 30 days after you receive it.
California withholding uses the separate DE 4 form.

We run payroll for small businesses. Book a consultation if you want it off your plate.

Uses 2026 IRS tax brackets, standard deductions, the $2,200 child tax credit, and the $500 credit for other dependents.