Fill out W-4 (Employee's Withholding Certificate) online
The W-4 form tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. Every new employee in the United States fills out a W-4 when starting a job, and you can update it anytime your financial situation changes.
How to fill out W-4 (Employee's Withholding Certificate)
Enter your personal information
Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, and filing status (single, married filing jointly, or head of household).
Account for multiple jobs
If you have more than one job or your spouse also works, complete Step 2 using the IRS estimator or the Multiple Jobs Worksheet.
Claim dependents
If your total income is under $200,000 ($400,000 for married filing jointly), enter the number of qualifying children and other dependents in Step 3.
Make other adjustments
Optionally add other income (interest, dividends), deductions beyond the standard amount, or extra withholding per pay period in Step 4.
Sign and date
Sign the form to certify the information is correct, then submit it to your employer.
About W-4 (Employee's Withholding Certificate)
Who needs this form
Every employee starting a new job in the US, or any current employee who wants to adjust their tax withholding due to life changes like marriage, having a child, or taking on a second job.
Where to submit
Give the completed W-4 to your employer's payroll or HR department. Do not send it to the IRS.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Check the latest official form instructions for the filing year that applies to you.
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not updating the form after major life changes (marriage, new child)
- Confusing allowances (old form) with the current multi-step process
- Forgetting to account for income from a second job
- Not claiming dependents when eligible
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How often should I update my W-4?
Update your W-4 whenever your financial situation changes significantly, such as getting married, having a child, starting a second job, or if you consistently owe taxes or receive large refunds. If you are a freelancer or contractor, you may need a W-9 instead.
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