W-4 Form Guide
Learn how to fill out your W-4 form correctly to ensure the right amount of tax is withheld from your paycheck.
What is Form W-4?
Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. The amount withheld depends on your filing status, income, dependents, and other factors.
When to Fill Out a W-4
- • When you start a new job
- • After marriage or divorce
- • When you have or adopt a child
- • If you have additional income
- • When your deductions change significantly
Goals of Proper Withholding
- ✓ Avoid owing taxes at filing time
- ✓ Maximize your take-home pay
- ✓ Prevent penalties and interest
- ✓ Keep your money working for you
- ✓ Better budget throughout the year
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form W-4
Personal Information
Enter your basic information:
- • Full name (first, middle initial, last)
- • Social Security Number
- • Address
- • Filing status (check only one box)
Tip: Your filing status on W-4 should generally match your tax return filing status.
Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works
Complete this step if you:
- • Have more than one job at a time, OR
- • Are married filing jointly and your spouse also works
You have three options:
Option A: Online Estimator (Recommended)
Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at IRS.gov for most accurate results
Option B: Multiple Jobs Worksheet
Complete the worksheet on page 3 of Form W-4
Option C: Check the Box
If you have only two jobs total, check box 2(c) - but this may result in extra withholding
Important: Only complete Step 2 on ONE W-4 form. Leave it blank on all other forms.
Claim Dependents
If your total income will be $200,000 or less ($400,000 or less if married filing jointly), you can claim your dependents.
Calculation:
- • Qualifying children under 17: Multiply number of children by $2,000
- • Other dependents: Multiply number of other dependents by $500
- • Add the two amounts and enter the total
Example: If you have 2 children under 17 and 1 elderly parent you support: (2 × $2,000) + (1 × $500) = $4,500
Other Adjustments (Optional)
This step is optional but can help fine-tune your withholding:
4(a): Other Income
Include income not from jobs (interest, dividends, retirement income). This increases withholding.
4(b): Deductions
If you plan to itemize deductions or claim other deductions beyond the standard deduction, enter the amount here. This decreases withholding.
Common deductions: mortgage interest, charitable contributions, state/local taxes
4(c): Extra Withholding
Enter any additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck. Useful if you're self-employed on the side or want to ensure you don't owe at tax time.
Sign the Form
Sign and date the form. Without your signature, the form is not valid!
Remember: Your employer cannot process your W-4 without your signature.
Common W-4 Scenarios
Single, One Job, No Kids
This is the simplest scenario:
- ✓ Step 1: Enter personal information, check "Single"
- ✓ Step 2: Leave blank
- ✓ Step 3: Leave blank
- ✓ Step 4: Leave blank (unless you have other income/deductions)
- ✓ Step 5: Sign and date
Married, Both Spouses Work
Requires coordination:
- ✓ Step 1: Check "Married filing jointly"
- ✓ Step 2: Use option (a), (b), or check box (c)
- ✓ Step 3: Claim dependents (on one W-4 only)
- ✓ Step 4: Add extra withholding if needed
- ✓ Step 5: Sign and date
Single Parent (Head of Household)
More favorable tax brackets:
- ✓ Step 1: Check "Head of household"
- ✓ Step 2: Complete if you have multiple jobs
- ✓ Step 3: Claim your qualifying children
- ✓ Step 4: Add deductions or extra withholding
- ✓ Step 5: Sign and date
Working Multiple Jobs
Prevent under-withholding:
- ✓ Complete Step 2 on ONE W-4 only (highest paying job)
- ✓ Use the Multiple Jobs Worksheet
- ✓ Consider extra withholding in Step 4(c)
- ✓ Leave Step 2 blank on other jobs' W-4 forms
- ✓ Review your withholding mid-year
Important Tips
Review Annually
Check your withholding every year, especially after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or having children.
Check Your Paystub
After submitting a new W-4, review your next paystub to ensure the withholding amount looks correct.
Find the Balance
Aim for a small refund or small amount owed. A large refund means you're giving the government an interest-free loan.
Use Calculators
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and our withholding calculator can help you determine the right amount.
Need Help with Self-Employment Taxes?
If you're self-employed or receive 1099 income, use our Withholding Calculator to estimate your quarterly tax payments.