Police Withholding Calculator
For officers with heavy detail/OT schedules.
The short answer: At the scenario numbers pre-loaded below, the OBBBA deductions total $6,650, worth about $798 in federal income tax at a 12% marginal rate ($31 per biweekly paycheck) — that's the gap your W-4 can capture during the year.
⚠️ This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. It is not tax advice. Results are based on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and IRS Schedule 1-A. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.
Withholding vs. What You Actually Owe
Detail pay past 40 hours runs at premium rates — withholding tables ignore the deduction.
- • OT premium + detail premiums → 4(b)
- • Secondary employer details: both W-2s sum to one cap
- • Watch MAGI phase-out on big OT years
Worked Example
An officer at $38/hour with 350 OT hours.
- • Total OBBBA deductions: $6,650
- • Federal income tax savings: $798 at the 12% marginal rate
- • Per biweekly paycheck: $31 — capture it via a W-4 4(b) adjustment instead of waiting for refund season
Keep Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Should police adjust withholding for detail OT?
Yes — recurring premium pay with no 4(b) entry means systematic over-withholding.
Details through a separate employer?
Each W-2's premium counts; the deduction cap is per-taxpayer across both.