W-4 withholding optimizer

Step 1 collects year-to-date pay and withholding so the optimizer can project full-year withholding. If you have an annual estimate, you can override the projection directly.

Step 2 applies current tax brackets, standard deductions, and credits to estimate your annual tax. Dependent credits are mapped to Step 3 guidance so you can translate results back to the W-4 form.

Step 3 compares projected withholding against your target refund or balance due. The tool calculates the gap and spreads it across remaining pay periods.

Step 4 highlights the per-paycheck adjustment and suggests the best W-4 lever to use, such as Step 3 credits or Step 4(c) extra withholding.