Will You Owe the IRS This Year?
By Jericho Dioso, CPA, CFE, MBA
Dioso CPA | Tax Strategies
Last updated: October 2026
Most people fill out a W-4 when they start a job and never look at it again.
But your income can change. Your family can change. Your investments can change.
And your withholding may no longer match your actual tax situation.
Quick W-4 Checklist
Check any that apply:
☐ You changed jobs this year
☐ You received a raise or bonus
☐ You and your spouse both work
☐ You started a side gig or freelance work
☐ You sold stocks, crypto, or other investments
☐ You had a Roth conversion or retirement distribution
☐ You earned significant interest or dividends
☐ You owed taxes last year
☐ You simply aren’t sure enough tax is being withheld
Checked even one box?
It may be a good time for a Quick W-4 Tax Check.
What a Quick Tax Check Can Tell You
Using your latest paystub and a few basic numbers, I can estimate:
Your projected federal income tax for the year
How much federal tax you’re expected to have withheld
Whether you may be heading toward a refund or balance due
Whether increasing your withholding before year-end may make sense
An estimated additional amount to withhold from your remaining paychecks
The goal is simple:
Find out before tax season — not after.
If your withholding is too low, there may still be time to adjust it before your final paychecks of the year.
What You’ll Need
For a basic review, you’ll generally need:
Your latest paystub
Your spouse’s latest paystub, if applicable
Your filing status
Major income not included on your paycheck
Estimated tax payments already made
Any major deductions or tax credits you expect
If your situation includes a business, rental property, K-1 income, major investment sales, or other complex tax items, a more detailed year-end tax projection may be appropriate.
Need Help?
If you’re wondering whether enough tax is coming out of your paycheck, I can help you run the numbers.
Contact me to schedule a Quick W-4 Tax Check. Complete our brief questionnaire below so we can better understand your situation.