Adjusting Your Tax Withholding

May 31, 2022
man-at-computer-with-calculator

Now that you've seen last year's tax results and can see where this year is heading, it may be a good time to consider adjustments to your income tax withholding.


Getting It Right

If you have too much tax withheld, you will receive a refund when you file your income tax return, but it might make more sense to reduce your withholding and receive more in your paycheck. However, if you have too little tax withheld, you will owe tax when you file your tax return and might owe a penalty.


Two tools — IRS Form W-4 and the Tax Withholding Estimator on irs.gov — can be used to help figure out the right amount of federal income tax to have withheld from your paycheck. This can be beneficial when tax laws change, your filing status changes, you start a new job, or there are other changes in your personal situation.


You might make a more concerted effort to review your withholding if any of the following situations apply to you:

  • File as a two-income family
  • Hold more than one job at the same time
  • Work for only part of the year
  • Claim credits, such as the child tax credit
  • Itemize deductions
  • Have a high income and a complex return



Form W-4

In some circumstances, you will need to give your employer a new Form W-4 within 10 days (for example, if the number of allowances you are allowed to claim is reduced or your filing status changes from married to single). In other circumstances, you can submit a new Form W-4 whenever you wish. See IRS Publication 505 for more information.


Your employer will withhold tax from your paycheck based on the information you provide on Form W-4 and the IRS withholding tables.


If you have a large amount of nonwage income, such as interest, dividends, or capital gains, you might want to increase the tax withheld or claim fewer allowances. In this situation, also consider making estimated tax payments using IRS Form 1040-ES.


You can claim exemption from federal tax withholding on Form W-4 if both of these situations apply: (1) in the prior tax year, you were entitled to a refund of all federal income tax withheld because you had no tax liability, and (2) for the current year, you expect a refund of all federal income tax withheld because you anticipate having no tax liability.


All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA / SIPC

11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone: 561.472.2000

Copyright 2010 Money Concepts International Inc.

Investments are not FDIC or NCUA Insured

May Lose Value - No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of MI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020.

Person beside a red tax form with a question mark over their head, suggesting tax confusion
By TFC Team April 24, 2026
Learn what your tax return can tell you about retirement savings, paycheck withholding, interest earnings, and smart money moves for next year.
Person sitting on a sandy beach beside the water, wearing a purple top and turquoise shawl
By TFC Team April 24, 2026
Learn what asset-based LTCI is, how a long-term care annuity works, and when this option may fit your long-term care planning goals.
Hand pointing at REIT text with glowing real estate icons on a dark digital background
By TFC Team April 24, 2026
REITs can add income and diversification to a portfolio. Learn how real estate investment trusts work, their yields, risks, and rate sensitivity.
Man in a brown jacket giving a piggyback ride to a smiling person outdoors at sunset
By TFC Team April 24, 2026
The Voice of Experience shares advice on aging from older Americans, offering honest, useful perspective on growing older with confidence.
Show More