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.

A brick building with a clock tower and vibrant fall foliage, on a grassy lawn.
By TFC Team January 19, 2026
Wealthy colleges face an expanded endowment tax in 2026. Learn the OBBBA tiered rates, per-student thresholds, and who pays 1.4%, 4%, or 8%.
A smiling couple sitting with a dog on a concrete step.
By TFC Team January 19, 2026
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026: IRS updates on standard deductions, IRA contribution limits, and estate and gift tax exclusions.
Pink piggy bank with stethoscope on a blue background.
By TFC Team January 19, 2026
Break the cycle with a financial wellness checkup. Review goals, re-balance your portfolio, cut debt, and boost credit health for the year ahead.
Two businesswomen reviewing data on a tablet and laptop, collaborating in an office.
By TFC Team January 19, 2026
Chart shoing the adjusted gross income (AGI) of U.S. taxpayers from 2024. Nearly half of taxpayers have a AGI of less than $50,000.
Show More