
How does paycheck withholding actually work?
Form W-4 instructs payroll. Publication 15-T supplies the tables. Withholding is an estimate. Form 1040 reconciles it against the year's tax.

Form W-4 instructs payroll. Publication 15-T supplies the tables. Withholding is an estimate. Form 1040 reconciles it against the year's tax.

A tax credit subtracts from the tax itself. A tax deduction subtracts from the income the tax is calculated on. Same dollars, different lines.

Form W-4 instructs payroll. Publication 15-T supplies the tables. Withholding is an estimate. Form 1040 reconciles it against the year's tax.

A tax credit subtracts from the tax itself. A tax deduction subtracts from the income the tax is calculated on. Same dollars, different lines.