Guide to Fill Up your W4

Filling out a W-4 form correctly ensures the proper amount of federal income tax is withheld from your paycheck. Below is a guide for Single and Married Filing Jointly statuses:

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the W-4

Step 1: Enter Personal Information

• Provide your name, Social Security Number (SSN), and address.

• Indicate your filing status:

  • Check Single or Married Filing Separately if you're single or filing separately.

  • Check Married Filing Jointly if you and your spouse file jointly.

Step 2: Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works (if applicable)

• If you have more than one job or your spouse works, complete this step. Use only one W-4 for the highest-paying job to get accurate withholding.

• Options to complete:

  • Use the IRS's Tax Withholding Estimator (recommended for accuracy).

  • Check the box if there are only two jobs total (you and your spouse or two jobs for yourself) and both incomes are roughly equal.

  • Fill out the worksheet on Page 3 to calculate adjustments.

Step 3: Claim Dependents

• If your total income is $200,000 or less ($400,000 for married filing jointly), claim dependents to reduce your withholding:

  • Multiply the number of qualifying children under 17 by $2,000.

  • Multiply the number of other dependents by $500.

  • Add these amounts and write the total.

Step 4: Adjustments (Optional)

• Use this step if you:

  • Want extra withholding from each paycheck (e.g., to cover other income like side gigs or investments).

  • Want to reduce withholding due to tax credits or deductions (like mortgage interest).

  • Use the IRS withholding estimator or consult with a tax advisor for precision.

Step 5: Sign and Date the Form

• Sign and date the form to complete it.

• Submit it to your employer. Do not send the W-4 to the IRS.

Tips for Single Filers

1. Complete Step 2 if you have more than one job or significant non-wage income.

2. Use the IRS withholding estimator if you want to avoid over- or underpaying taxes.

3. Skip Step 3 if you have no dependents.

Tips for Married Filing Jointly

1. If both spouses work, fill out Step 2 on the higher-paying job's W-4.

2. Claim dependents in Step 3 only on one spouse’s W-4.

3. Communicate with your spouse to avoid claiming the same deductions or dependents on both forms.