ITCLess tax confusion.
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For individuals, families, and small business owners.
Your taxes.
One step at a time.
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New to taxes? Start here.
Choose a question. Get a simple answer and a next step.
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Are enough taxes coming out of your paycheck?
Use a recent pay stub to estimate your 2026 federal tax. Choose one job or your whole household.
What this estimate includes; and where it needs a closer look
Uses 2026 federal ordinary-income brackets and the standard deduction, with a simplified nonrefundable Child Tax Credit in household mode. Child credit phaseout is $50 per $1,000 (or portion) above $200,000 of modified AGI, or $400,000 for joint filers. This tool assumes the calculated income is also modified AGI.
Not a complete return or a payroll W-4 calculator. Excludes refundable credits (including EITC and the refundable child credit), other dependent credits, itemized deductions, self-employment tax, capital gains rates, AMT, additional Medicare tax, NIIT, state tax, and underpayment penalties. Special deductions are included only if you enter verified amounts. Complex situations may materially change your result.
“Projected excess payments” is not a guaranteed refund. “Projected shortfall” is not an underpayment-penalty calculation. Any suggested extra withholding is spread across the remaining checks of one job you choose; do not apply it to every job.
2026 rates and deductions: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · IRS withholding guidance · Rules reviewed October 11, 2026.
Get your paperwork ready.
A simple document checklist to help you get organized before you file or meet your tax preparer.
Check each box when you have the item or it does not apply to you. Progress stays in this browser when local storage is available. No documents or personal tax information are collected.
Full IRS document guideNeed to take action?
Use these official IRS resources for your next step.
Check your federal refund status securely with the IRS.
IRS refund toolsExplore free filingReview IRS Free File options and current eligibility.
IRS Free FileCheck your withholdingEstimate your withholding right here, for one job or your household.
ITC withholding checkPay or explore a planFind payment methods and options if you can’t pay in full.
IRS paymentsCommon questions
Small answers to big tax questions.
Do I need to file if I didn’t earn much?
Possibly. Filing requirements depend on income, age, filing status, and other circumstances. Even if filing isn’t required, you may want to file to recover withholding or claim a refundable credit. Check IRS filing requirements
Is an extension also more time to pay?
An extension gives more time to file your return. It does not extend the payment deadline. Check the IRS for your tax year and any disaster-related relief. Read about extensions
Do I report side income without a 1099?
Yes. Income from gig work must be reported even if no information form arrives, including payments in cash. Keep income and expense records. IRS gig work guide
Does this cover state taxes too?
This hub focuses on U.S. federal taxes. State filing rules, credits, and deadlines vary. Visit your state revenue department for its current guidance. Your preparer can help with multiple-state situations.
Take it one step at a time.
Start with the basics. Build from there.