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W-4 Step 4(c) Extra Withholding Calculator (2026)

What does this come to under the current IRS rules?

Extra amount to withhold each remaining pay period so 2026 withholding covers your projected tax.

  • Runs in your browser
  • Nothing stored or sent
  • Free, no sign-up
Your figures
Example figuresIllustrative only. Type over them with your own.
Extra withholding per pay period (Step 4(c))
$300
Spread over the pay periods left
Projected withholding and payments
$21,000
Projected balance due before the change
$3,000
Negative means a refund
Drawn to one scale
Extra withholding per pay period (Step 4(c))$300
Projected withholding and payments$21,000
Projected balance due before the change$3,000
All results
MeasureResult
Extra withholding per pay period (Step 4(c))$300
Projected withholding and payments$21,000
Projected balance due before the change
Negative means a refund
$3,000
Result
Enter the extra amount in Step 4(c) of a new Form W-4
How this was worked out
Work shownrecomputed as you type
Projected = withheld so far + per-period withholding x periods left + estimated payments
Gap = projected tax - projected withholding
Step 4(c) = gap / periods left

Illustrative arithmetic on the figures you enter. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

The formulas

  • Projected = withheld so far + per-period withholding x periods left + estimated payments
  • Gap = projected tax - projected withholding
  • Step 4(c) = gap / periods left

How it works

Step 4(c) of the 2026 Form W-4 holds any additional tax you want withheld each pay period, including the result of the Multiple Jobs Worksheet. Entering an amount there reduces each paycheck and either raises your refund or cuts the balance due at filing.

The 2026 form directs people who start mid-year, or whose income or deductions change, to recheck withholding. This tool spreads the projected gap evenly over the remaining periods. Projected tax comes from your own estimate or the federal income tax calculator.

Illustrative figures only. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

Common questions

What about Step 4(a) and 4(b)?

Step 4(a) adds other income and 4(b) subtracts deductions. Step 4(c) is the direct dollar add-on per paycheck.

Should I aim for a zero balance?

Aim at least for the estimated tax safe harbor so no underpayment penalty applies. The safe harbor calculator shows the amount.

Does Step 4(c) carry into next year?

Yes. The amount stays until you file a new Form W-4, so revisit it in January.

Sources

Runs in your browser. The figures you type are not sent to CORAA or stored. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

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