Definition

The portion of your paycheck that your employer sends directly to the government for taxes, which can be adjusted based on your financial situation.

What to consider

  • Maximize your contributions to benefit from tax breaks.
  • Compare different account options to see which suits your income best.
  • Stay updated on any changes to contribution limits or rules.

Real world scenarios

  • Shawna increases her W-4 allowances so she’s not overwithholding, freeing up extra cash in each paycheck.
  • When Dave changes jobs, he reviews the new payroll forms and updates withholdings to match his expected year-end taxes.
  • Estelle uses a tax calculator to gauge if her withholding is sufficient, avoiding a hefty tax bill or big refund come April.

Related terms

Taxes