What is Form W-4?
IRS Form W-4, the Employee's Withholding Certificate, is completed by employees and given to their employer so the employer knows how much federal income tax to withhold from the employee's pay.
You should complete a new W-4 when you start a new job, get married, have a child, or experience any major life event that affects your tax situation.
Who Needs to Fill Out Form W-4?
- New employees starting any job in the United States
- Existing employees who want to change their withholding (marriage, divorce, new dependent, second job)
- Employees who owe taxes or received a large refund and want to adjust withholding
What Information Do You Need?
- Your full legal name and Social Security Number
- Your home address
- Filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household)
- Number of dependents you plan to claim
- Any additional withholding amounts or deductions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1, Personal Information: Enter your name, address, SSN, and filing status.
Step 2, Multiple Jobs: If you or your spouse work multiple jobs, use the IRS withholding estimator or the Multiple Jobs Worksheet.
Step 3, Claim Dependents: Multiply qualifying children under 17 by $2,000, and other dependents by $500.
Step 4, Other Adjustments: Include other income, deductions, or extra withholding.
Step 5, Sign and Date: Your signature certifies the form is correct under penalty of perjury.
Important Deadlines
There is no formal deadline to submit a W-4, you should submit it as soon as possible after a qualifying event. The IRS recommends reviewing your withholding each year using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim exempt from withholding?
Yes, if you had no tax liability last year and expect none this year, you can write "Exempt" in Step 4(c). This status expires each year.
What happens if I don't submit a W-4?
Your employer will withhold at the default rate for a single filer with no adjustments.
Is the W-4 the same as the W-2?
No, the W-4 is filled out by the employee to set withholding. The W-2 is issued by the employer at year-end showing total wages and taxes withheld.