# Retirees Check Tax Withholding Now

> Retirees risk unexpected tax bills if withholding is missed.
- Title: Retirees Check Tax Withholding Now · The Motley Fool
- Summary: Retirees risk unexpected tax bills if withholding is missed. Retirees should check tax withholding to avoid 7% penalty on underpayment.
- Keywords: retirees, tax withholding, irs penalty, estimated taxes, federal taxes, 401k, ira, finance, money, Check, Tax, Withholding
- Source: The Motley Fool — https://fool.com/retirement/2026/10/16/retirees-check-your-withholding-now-before-an-unex
- Author: Dana George
- Published: 2026-10-16T21:45:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: retirees, tax withholding, irs penalty, estimated taxes, federal taxes, 401k, ira, finance, money
## Why retirees owe taxes
Retirees may have multiple income streams including Social Security and pensions that add up quickly.
## Tax penalty risk
Underpayment penalties of up to 7% can accumulate if taxes are not paid by April 15, 2027.
## Tax bill timeline
Taxes due by April 15, 2027 for 2026 payments with quarterly installments due April 15, 2026 through January 15, 2027.
## Safe harbor options
Skip penalty if less than $1,000 after credits or paid at least 90% of current year's tax due.
## Key takeaway

Retirees should check tax withholding to avoid 7% penalty on underpayment.