Guides

Plain-English explainers on how paycheck withholding actually works, what each step of Form W-4 does, and how to read the gap Breakeven projects for your 2026 return.

• How to fill out the 2026 W-4 (with examples)

  Step-by-step guide to the 2026 IRS Form W-4, with worked examples for single filers, dual-earner households, and parents claiming the dependents credit.

  Published 2026-04-22

• Multiple jobs and the W-4: why two incomes under-withhold

  When more than one job or a working spouse is in the picture, the W-4's default math under-withholds. Here's how to pick between the three Step 2 options and handle the cases they don't cover.

  Published 2026-04-23

• Why is so much tax withheld from my bonus?

  Bonuses are withheld at a flat 22% federal rate (37% over $1M). Here's why it happens, when it under- or over-withholds, and how to fix it before April.

  Published 2026-04-29

• How does my 401(k) affect my paycheck withholding?

  Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your federal taxable wages, which lowers per-paycheck federal income tax withholding. Here's the math, the gotchas, and how the Breakeven calculator already handles it.

  Published 2026-04-29

• Tax changes after marriage — what to file and when

  Got married this year? Here's what changes for federal taxes — when to update your W-4, how MFJ and MFS compare, and the multi-job under-withholding trap that catches new couples in their first joint return.

  Published 2026-04-29

• How to read a paystub — every line explained

  Gross pay, federal taxable wages, FICA, federal withholding, year-to-date totals — what each line on your paystub means and how it connects to what you owe at tax time.

  Published 2026-04-29

• Why did I owe taxes this year?

  A plain-English rundown of why a balance-due April happens, which W-4 setting usually causes it, and how to fix it before next year.

  Published 2026-04-22

• What is Step 4(c) on Form W-4? Extra withholding explained

  Step 4(c) is the W-4 line for extra federal tax to withhold each paycheck. When to use it, how to size it, and the common mistakes to avoid.

  Published 2026-04-22