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The Daily Insight

What happens if you withhold too much on taxes?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published Feb 25, 2026

When you have too much money withheld from your paychecks, you end up giving Uncle Sam an interest-free loan (and getting a tax refund). On the other hand, having too little withheld from your paychecks could mean an unexpected tax bill or even a penalty for underpayment.

How do I avoid excess tax withholding?

Change Your Withholding

  1. Complete a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, and submit it to your employer.
  2. Complete a new Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments, and submit it to your payer.
  3. Make an additional or estimated tax payment to the IRS before the end of the year.

Which is the liability of the payer under withholding tax?

Under withholding tax, it is the liability of the payee to deduct the tax and deposit the same with the government. So as the liability is on the payer it is imperative on the part of the payer to ensure that the amount of tax charged is correct and that the same correct amount is being deposited with the government in their account.

How does withholding tax work in income tax?

Withholding tax is essentially the sum deducted directly from the earnings of an individual by the payer or the employer. The payer or employer, in turn, has to pay the deducted amount as withholding tax on the earnings of the individual, to the income tax department.

What is the limit for withholding tax on interest?

For non-specified types of interest, the Withholding Tax threshold limit is Rs.5,000. In cases where interest is received from banks, co-operative societies, or deposits with post offices, the Withholding Tax threshold limit is Rs.10,000. The rates in force. “Royalty” also includes consideration for the use of (or right to use) computer software.

How is withholding tax paid to the government in India?

Withholding Tax. Withholding tax is an amount that is directly deducted from the employee’s earnings by the employer and paid to the government as a part of individual’s tax liability. These taxes are paid to the central government of India. In India, the Central Government is liable and empowered to levy and collect taxes.