I got a huge tax return but would like to spread that out in my paycheck throughout the year. How should I adjust allowances on my W-4 form?

[katie-reiter]

I only have access to my 2016 1040-A tax return form. I was told to divide the amount I paid in taxes by 26 (the number of times I get paid yearly) and then to tell HR that I want that amount taken out of my check each time so they could help me figure out which allowances to select.

1.) I'm not sure how to find that figure on my 1040-A form.

2.) Is this the right method?

[Opus 17 · Accepted solution]

This is the most accurate withholding calculator if you can come up with an accurate estimate of your income and deductions for the rest of the year.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-withholding-calculator

Remember to run it again in January because if you set your allowances high enough to reduce your refund for the rest of 2017, you may not have enough withheld for 2018.

A rough estimate is that you should add one more allowance to your W-4 for every $1000 of your tax refund that you would rather have in your paychecks.  

If you actually take the time to complete the worksheet on the form W-4 it's usually fairly accurate as well unless you have special circumstances.