Should I increase my paycheck or my refund for 2025?
Decide between a bigger paycheck and a smaller refund for 2025 or 2026. Enter your current refund estimate, target refund, and remaining pay periods to see the per‑paycheck withholding adjustment needed to hit your goal, helping you fine‑tune your W‑4.
How this calculation works
- Translates your target refund into a per‑paycheck adjustment.
- Accounts for remaining pay periods in the year.
- Shows the annual refund gap versus your current estimate.
Common mistakes and caveats
- Actual refunds depend on total tax, credits, and deductions.
- Mid‑year income changes can shift the target.
- State withholding is not included.
FAQ
Is a big refund always good?
Not necessarily. A large refund often means you overwithheld during the year.
TaxGuide Pro provides free state and federal tax calculators for individuals, freelancers, and small businesses.