Tax Withholding Checkup

• The last quarter of 2021 is a good time to check withholding, especially after changes to individual financial situations

• Events like changing jobs, marriage, divorce, a new child, or home purchase can all be reasons to adjust withholding.

• The IRS has a Tax Withholding Estimator online to help taxpayers determine if they have too much withheld and how to make an adjustment to put more cash into their own pocket now.

• The tool offers workers, as well as retirees, self-employed individuals and other taxpayers, a user-friendly, step-by-step guide for effectively tailoring the amount of income tax they have withheld from wages and pension payments.

• Taxpayers can also see if they should withhold more or make an estimated tax payment to avoid a tax bill when they file their tax return next year.

Items that may affect 2021 taxes

• Coronavirus tax relief – Tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes – Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location to be a major disaster area.

• Job loss – IRS Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss (.pdf), explains how this unfortunate circumstance can create new tax issues.

• Workers moving into the gig economy due to the pandemic – IRS advises people earning income in the gig economy to consider estimated tax payments to avoid a balance or penalties when they file.

• Life changes such as marriage or childbirth – Getting married or having a child are just a couple of life events that can affect your refund or how much you owe.

Pay as you go

• Taxes are generally paid throughout the year whether from salary withholding, quarterly estimated tax payments or a combination of both.

• About 70% of taxpayers, however, over withhold their taxes every year, which typically results in a refund. The average refund in 2021 was more than $2,700.

• Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or from the IRS2Go app. They can schedule payments for future dates, which can be useful during filing season, for payment plan payments or for estimated tax payments.

• Taxpayers can also log into their IRS.gov/account to view the amount they owe, their payment plan details and options, their payment history (up to 5 years), any scheduled or pending payments, and key tax return information from their most recent tax return.

If you need assistance with tax planning or resolving your tax, please contact us at our Portland Office, Bend Office or West Linn Office to schedule a consultation with Jonathan.