Form W-4
Employee's Withholding Certificate
Tell your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck, based on your filing status, other income, and dependents.
Editing happens entirely in your browser — the form is never uploaded to a server.
What is Form W-4?
Form W-4 is what a new employee completes so the employer can calculate federal income tax withholding. You give it to your employer's payroll department, not to the IRS.
The current version has no 'allowances'. Instead you enter your filing status, then optionally account for multiple jobs, dependents, other income, deductions, and any extra amount you want withheld. If you only have one job and take the standard deduction, you complete Step 1 and Step 5 and skip the rest.
You can submit a new W-4 to your employer any time your situation changes — a marriage, a new child, a second job, or a large refund or balance due last year.
- Who needs it
- Every employee starting a new job, and any current employee who wants to change their withholding. Independent contractors do not use a W-4 — they use Form W-9.
- Deadline
- Give it to your employer on or before your first day. Employers must put a new W-4 into effect no later than the start of the first payroll period ending 30 days after you submit it. If you never submit one, the employer withholds as if you are single with no adjustments.
- How to submit
- Submit it to your employer, usually through their onboarding system or payroll/HR. Do not send Form W-4 to the IRS.
Form W-4 — line-by-line
Step 1 — Personal information
Name, address, Social Security Number, and filing status (Single or married filing separately, Married filing jointly, or Head of household).
Step 2 — Multiple jobs or spouse works
Complete only if you hold more than one job at a time or are married filing jointly and your spouse also works. Use the IRS estimator, the worksheet on page 3, or check box 2(c) if there are only two similar-paying jobs total.
Step 3 — Claim dependents
If your total income will be under the threshold on the form, multiply qualifying children under 17 by $2,000 and other dependents by $500, and enter the total.
Step 4 — Other adjustments (optional)
4(a) other income not from jobs; 4(b) deductions beyond the standard deduction; 4(c) any extra flat amount to withhold each pay period.
Step 5 — Sign and date
The form is not valid until you sign it. Your employer completes the employer section.
Form W-4 — frequently asked questions
What happened to allowances on the W-4?+
The IRS removed withholding allowances in the 2020 redesign. The form now uses filing status plus dollar amounts for dependents, other income and deductions.
How do I have more tax withheld?+
Enter an extra dollar amount per pay period on Step 4(c). To have less withheld, claim dependents on Step 3 or deductions on Step 4(b) if they apply to you.
Do I have to complete Steps 2 through 4?+
No. Steps 2–4 are optional. If you have one job and take the standard deduction, complete Step 1 and Step 5 only.
Can I update my W-4 during the year?+
Yes, as often as you need to. Submit a new form to your employer and it takes effect within about one pay period.
Is the W-4 the same as a W-2?+
No. You fill out a W-4 to set your withholding. Your employer issues a W-2 after year end reporting what you actually earned and had withheld.
Related forms
The blank Form W-4 offered here is the version published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Official page and instructions .
PDFCure is not a government agency and does not provide tax, legal, or immigration advice. This page is general information — for your specific situation, follow the official instructions or consult a qualified professional. Always download the current edition from the agency before filing. Revision referenced: 2025.