2025 IRS Withholding Calculator (Tax Withholding Estimator)

The IRS Withholding Calculator is the official Tax Withholding Estimator. It helps individuals check whether their federal income tax withholding for 2025 is accurate.

The United States uses a pay-as-you-go tax system. Most employees pay federal income tax during the year through withholding. The IRS explains how this system works on its official Tax Withholding page.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to review their withholding each year and after major life changes. This includes starting a new job, changes in income, marriage, divorce, or adding a dependent. The IRS newsroom explains this in Taxpayers should check their withholding now to prepare for next year.

What the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator Does

The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps you estimate your federal income tax withholding for 2025. It shows how your current withholding may affect your refund, take-home pay, or balance due when you file your return.

The tool does not request personal identifiers such as your Social Security number. The IRS states this directly on the official estimator page.

How the Estimator Works

The estimator guides you through five main steps. Each step collects information needed to project your federal income tax.

Step 1 covers your filing status. You select the status that applies to you, such as Single or Married Filing Jointly.

Step 2 collects income information. This includes wages from jobs, pensions, and other sources of income.

Step 3 asks about adjustments and deductions. This may include retirement contributions or whether you expect to claim the standard deduction or itemize.

Step 4 includes tax credits. This may include credits such as the Child Tax Credit, if applicable.

Step 5 shows your results. The estimator compares your projected tax liability with your current withholding and indicates whether your withholding appears too high, too low, or close to the projected amount.

What You Should Have Ready

The IRS recommends having recent pay stubs available before using the estimator. If you are married and both spouses work, have both pay stubs. You may also need your most recent tax return and information about other income. The IRS lists recommended documents on the official estimator page.

After You Use the Estimator

If the estimator suggests a change, you can update your withholding by submitting a new Form W-4 to your employer. For pension or annuity payments, use Form W-4P.

For detailed rules on withholding and estimated tax, see Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. For common questions about the tool, see the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator FAQs.

Summary

The IRS provides one official withholding calculator for individuals. It is the Tax Withholding Estimator. Use it to review your 2025 withholding and determine whether you need to update your withholding forms.