How this number is made
This is the federal income tax on wages after a deferral that reduces taxable income, then the 2026 standard deduction. It is not a full return. Credits, itemizing, and state tax are absent. A 401(k) deferral lowers income tax and still counts as wages for Social Security and Medicare, so payroll tax is figured on the full wage.
- Wages are box-1 style pay before you subtract the deferral.
- The deferral is a traditional 401(k) or similar amount. A Roth deferral does not belong here, because it does not reduce taxable income.
Formula
Taxable income = wages − deferral − the 2026 standard deduction. Tax comes from the 2026 ordinary brackets. Payroll tax uses the full wage.
Worked example
With the figures already in the form, federal income tax is $10,750.00.
Questions
Why is this not the paycheck page?
The paycheck page is one check after federal, FICA, and a state rate. This page is the year’s federal income tax, which is what people mean by an income-tax calculator.
Where is the child tax credit?
Not applied. A credit would lower the tax after this number. Do not subtract a credit you have not confirmed for the year.