What to put on your W-4.
From your latest pay stub, the W-4 entries that bring your 2026 refund close to zero, on the IRS's own estimator rules.
Your W-4
Refund if you change nothing
$977
Projected to December 31, 2026 from your pay stub.
| Form W-4 | Enter |
|---|---|
| Step 3, dependents | $5,620 |
| Step 4(a), other income | $0 |
| Step 4(b), deductions | $0 |
| Step 4(c), extra per paycheck | $0 |
One job, standard deduction, on the IRS TWE rules (split withholding strategy). For several jobs or other income, the IRS estimator asks more.
Questions people ask
What is step 4(c) on the W-4?
Extra federal tax to withhold from each paycheck. It is the simplest way to close a gap between what is withheld and what you will owe.
Do I give the new W-4 to the IRS?
No. Give it to your employer's payroll; it applies from the next paycheck they process.
Sources
Checked against these sources on October 30, 2026.