Fill W-4 – Employee's Withholding Certificate
Latest revision: Form W-4 (2025)
Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck based on your filing status, dependents, and other adjustments.
Agency: IRS · Category: tax
For your safety and privacy, everything you enter stays on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Form W-4 – Employee’s Withholding Certificate (2025)
For your safety and privacy, everything you enter stays on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Who this page is for
This page helps employees fill the official IRS Form W-4 online and download a completed PDF to give to their employer for federal income tax withholding. It is intended for people who want a simple, browser-based way to prepare the current W-4 without creating an account or sending their information to a third-party server.
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 information you provide about filing status, dependents, other income, and deductions influences each pay period's withholding and affects what is ultimately reported to the IRS. It helps align the tax taken out of your paychecks with the federal income tax you expect to owe for the year.
Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck based on your filing status, dependents, and other adjustments.
The form is not filed with the IRS by you. Instead, your employer keeps it on file and uses it when running payroll and reporting wages and tax withholding on Form W-2. Updating your W-4 after life changes or when withholding seems off can help reduce surprises at tax time.
On this page you fill the official IRS Form W-4 (Form W-4 (2025)) in a browser-friendly way and then download the completed PDF to sign and return to your employer according to their onboarding or payroll procedures.
Example situations where you may need a new W-4
People often update Form W-4 in common life and work situations, such as:
- Starting a new job and providing withholding information to a new employer during onboarding.
- Taking on an additional job or when a spouse starts or stops working, to help balance combined withholding across all jobs.
- Major life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth or adoption of a child that may affect your IRS filing status or eligibility for credits.
- Noticing that you consistently owe more tax than expected or receive a larger refund than expected and wanting to adjust withholding.
These examples are illustrative and based on general IRS withholding guidance. They do not replace the official instructions for Form W-4 or the guidance you receive from your employer or a tax professional.
How to fill Form W-4
The on-page helper text next to each field walks you through the details. The summary below shows how the main sections and lines of Form W-4 map to the questions above, so you can quickly review each part before you download your filled W-4 PDF. This structure can also help you follow along with the official IRS instructions while you complete the form.
Step 1: Enter Personal Information
First name and middle initial
Enter your first name and middle initial exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.
Last name
Enter your last name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card and income tax return.
Home address
Enter your mailing address, including apartment or unit number if applicable.
City, state, and ZIP code
Enter the city, state (or province) abbreviation, and ZIP/postal code for your mailing address.
Social security number
Enter your 9-digit Social Security number. We’ll format it as 3-2-4 digits when filling the PDF.
Filing status
Choose the filing status that matches how you expect to file your federal tax return.
Step 2: Multiple jobs or spouse works
Check if you (and/or your spouse) have multiple jobs
Check this box if you have more than one job at the same time or are married filing jointly and your spouse also works, and you plan to follow the multiple jobs instructions on the form.
Step 2(b) — Multiple Jobs Worksheet (optional, keep for your records)
Line 1 — Two jobs total
If you have two jobs or you’re married filing jointly and you and your spouse each have one job, use the table on page 4 and enter the amount from the appropriate row here.
Line 2a — Three jobs: amount from table
If you or your spouse have three jobs at the same time, enter the amount from the appropriate table row for the highest paying job.
Line 2b — Three jobs: combined wages
Add the annual wages of the two highest paying jobs and enter the result here.
Line 2c — Three jobs: table result for line 2b
Use the table on page 4 to find the amount that corresponds to the line 2b total and enter it here.
Line 3 — Number of pay periods for highest paying job
Enter the number of pay periods per year for the highest paying job (for example, 52 for weekly, 26 for biweekly).
Line 4 — Extra amount per pay period
Divide the amount on line 1 or 2c by the number of pay periods on line 3 and enter the result here. This amount is added in Step 4(c) on page 1.
Step 3: Claim dependents
Qualifying children under age 17
Multiply the number of qualifying children under age 17 by $2,000 and enter the total dollar amount here.
Other dependents
Multiply the number of other dependents by $500 and enter the total dollar amount here.
Total credit amount for qualifying children and other dependents (line 3)
Add the amounts above for qualifying children and other dependents and enter the total credit amount here.
Step 4: Other adjustments (optional)
4(a) Other income (not from jobs)
Enter the total of other income you expect this year that won’t have withholding, such as interest, dividends, or retirement income.
4(b) Deductions
If you expect to claim deductions other than the standard deduction, enter the extra amount here based on the W-4 Deductions Worksheet.
4(c) Extra withholding
Enter any additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck in addition to the standard calculated withholding.
Step 4(b) — Deductions Worksheet (optional, keep for your records)
Line 1 — Estimated itemized deductions
Enter an estimate of your 2025 itemized deductions from Schedule A (Form 1040).
Line 2 — Standard deduction amount
Enter the standard deduction amount for your filing status as shown in the worksheet instructions.
Line 3 — Line 1 minus line 2 (if greater than zero)
If line 1 is greater than line 2, subtract line 2 from line 1 and enter the result here; otherwise, enter 0.
Line 4 — Certain additional adjustments
Enter an estimate of certain additional adjustments such as student loan interest or deductible IRA contributions.
Line 5 — Add lines 3 and 4; enter in Step 4(b) on page 1
Add lines 3 and 4. This is the amount you’ll enter in Step 4(b) on page 1. You can copy it into the Step 4(b) field above.
After reviewing your entries, download the filled PDF, add any required signatures, and return it to your employer using the method they specify, such as an HR portal or paper submission.
Common mistakes on Form W-4
- Leaving filing status or personal information incomplete in Step 1, which can lead to default withholding assumptions.
- Skipping the multiple jobs guidance in Step 2 when you or your spouse have more than one job, leading to under-withholding for the year.
- Forgetting to update the form after major life changes, which can cause withholding to be out of sync with your current situation.
- Entering dependent credits in Step 3 without using the current-year amounts from the IRS instructions or without confirming that the dependents qualify.
- Requesting extra withholding in Step 4(c) without considering how the added amount affects take-home pay over the course of the year.
When Form W-4 is usually not used
Form W-4 applies to employees for wage withholding. Different situations often use other IRS forms instead:
- Independent contractors: payers typically collect Form W-9 rather than a W-4 and may issue Form 1099 for certain payments.
- Non-U.S. persons for tax purposes: forms in the W-8 series are generally used instead of a W-4 to document foreign status for IRS purposes.
- Self-employment income: estimated tax payments and related IRS forms apply rather than employer withholding via W-4.
- Personal, non-employment payments between individuals generally do not involve a W-4 or wage withholding.
These are broad IRS distinctions. This information is not legal or tax advice, and your employer should tell you which form they expect you to complete for your specific situation.
Where to find the official IRS instructions for Form W-4
The Internal Revenue Service publishes the official instructions for Form W-4 on IRS.gov along with the latest version of the form. Those instructions explain how each step and line works, how to handle multiple jobs, how to factor in dependents, and how to reflect deductions or other income. You can read them on the official IRS Form W-4 page. This page is only a helper for filling the PDF and does not replace the IRS instructions or any guidance you receive from your employer or a tax professional.
You can also search for "Form W-4 instructions" on the IRS website to read the most recent information directly from the source before or after you complete your form here.
Where to get a blank or replacement Form W-4
If you need a blank Form W-4, you can download the current blank IRS Form W-4 PDF directly from the Internal Revenue Service, or use this page to fill a fresh copy and download it. Many employers also provide their own copies or links to the IRS form in new-hire packets, onboarding portals, or payroll self-service systems. If a W-4 you already submitted has outdated information, you can create a new one and provide it to your employer so they can update your withholding settings.
Keeping a saved copy of your completed W-4 can sometimes make it easier to respond quickly when you change jobs or when your employer asks you to review your withholding, as long as the details are still current.
Glossary of key terms on Form W-4
- Federal income tax withholding
- Federal income tax withholding is the amount your employer takes out of each paycheck and sends to the IRS throughout the year. The goal is to prepay your estimated federal income tax so that what you owe or are refunded at tax time is closer to your actual liability. Form W-4 tells your employer how to calculate this withholding based on the information you provide.
- Filing status
- Filing status is the category you use on your federal income tax return, such as single, married filing jointly, or head of household. IRS Form W-4 asks for your expected filing status because it affects tax brackets, standard deductions, and some credits. Choosing the status that most closely matches your situation helps align paycheck withholding with how your tax will be calculated on your return.
- Dependents
- Dependents are qualifying children or other qualifying individuals for whom you may be able to claim certain tax credits on your federal return. Step 3 of Form W-4 lets you reflect a portion of those credits in withholding using IRS-provided dollar amounts. The official instructions explain who qualifies as a dependent and how to calculate the amount to enter.
- Extra withholding
- Extra withholding is an additional fixed dollar amount you ask your employer to withhold from each paycheck, entered in Step 4(c) of Form W-4. People sometimes use it when they have other taxable income without withholding, such as self-employment or investment income. The IRS instructions note that this is optional and should be based on what you expect to owe when all of your income is considered.
Security best practices when sharing a completed W-4
Because Form W-4 contains sensitive information, employers may accept it electronically but it is helpful to consider basic security practices. A W-4 shows your name, address, and taxpayer identification number, so it should be handled with the same care as other documents that contain personal identifiers.
- Check whether your employer provides a secure HR or payroll portal for W-4 submission instead of regular email.
- Avoid plain-text email for sensitive documents when a more secure upload or encrypted method is available.
- Consider printing and hand-delivering the form to your HR or payroll department if that is more comfortable for you.
- Confirm that a request for a new W-4 is legitimate and comes from your actual employer or their authorized payroll provider before sending personal information.
These are general security considerations. Always follow the specific instructions given by your employer or HR department when submitting a completed Form W-4.
Common questions people also ask about Form W-4
- Why does my employer ask me to fill a new W-4? Employers often request a new IRS Form W-4 when you are hired, when your information appears outdated, or when you want to change your withholding. Keeping an up-to-date W-4 helps them calculate federal income tax withholding more accurately.
- Will changing my W-4 change my tax refund? Adjusting your Form W-4 can change how much is withheld from each paycheck and may influence whether you receive a larger refund or owe tax when you file with the IRS. The overall result depends on your total income, deductions, credits, and withholding for the year.
- Can I reuse the same W-4 if I change jobs? You generally complete a new W-4 for each employer rather than reusing one from a prior job. However, you can use a previous W-4 as a reference if your situation has not changed, and then provide the updated form directly to your new employer.
FAQ about Form W-4
What is Form W-4 used for?
Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck based on the details you provide. The IRS relies on these withholding amounts, reported by your employer, when you file your federal income tax return and your overall tax is calculated. The form helps align how much tax is taken out of your paychecks with what you expect to owe for the year.
Do I send my completed W-4 to the IRS?
No. You give your completed Form W-4 to your employer, who keeps it on file and uses it to calculate withholding. The employer then reports wages and taxes withheld to the IRS through payroll tax filings and on Form W-2, not by submitting the W-4 directly. IRS Form W-4 is therefore a payroll instruction form rather than a return you file yourself.
When should I update my W-4?
Many people update Form W-4 after events like marriage, divorce, a new child, a second job, or a noticeable change in income or deductions. These changes can affect your IRS filing status, credits, or expected tax, so updating the form helps keep withholding closer to what you will ultimately owe. You can also update your W-4 if you regularly owe tax at filing time or receive a much larger refund than expected and want to adjust the balance.
What if I have multiple jobs or a working spouse?
If you or your spouse have more than one job, the IRS instructions for Step 2 of Form W-4 explain how to handle multiple jobs so total withholding is more accurate. You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or the worksheet to reflect combined earnings from all jobs. This helps avoid under-withholding or over-withholding when both of you are earning income that is subject to federal income tax withholding.
How do I claim dependents?
You use Step 3 of Form W-4 to figure and enter credits for qualifying children and other dependents. The IRS provides current-year dollar amounts and rules in the instructions to help you calculate what to enter on that step. Reflecting these credits in your W-4 can make withholding better match the tax benefit you expect from dependents when you file your return.
Can I request extra withholding?
Yes. Step 4(c) lets you add a fixed extra amount of federal income tax to be withheld from each paycheck. People sometimes use this when they have additional taxable income, such as self-employment or investment income, that is not subject to withholding. The IRS instructions note that this extra amount is optional and should reflect what you expect to owe when all of your income and credits are considered together.
Does this site store my information?
No. The W-4 helper on this page runs in your browser, and your entries are used locally to generate a filled IRS W-4 PDF on your device. We do not store your data on our servers or keep a database of your answers. This design aims to reduce the exposure of sensitive personal details while still letting you fill the official form quickly.
How do I know if this is the latest version?
The year or revision label for Form W-4 appears near the top of the IRS form, such as "2025" for the 2025 version. This page is designed to use the current IRS revision and updates the underlying blank PDF when needed. If you want to double-check, you can compare the version on your downloaded form with the one shown on IRS.gov under the Form W-4 page.
What happens if I make a mistake on my W-4?
If you realize that your W-4 is wrong, you can give your employer an updated form to correct future withholding. The IRS generally focuses on the total withholding for the year, so adjusting the form can help bring withholding more in line with your expected tax. Employers usually apply the change going forward and do not retroactively change past paychecks based on a new W-4.
Can I fill and sign Form W-4 electronically?
Many employers accept electronic W-4s, but the process depends on their HR or payroll systems. Some use online portals where you complete and sign Form W-4 digitally, while others still rely on printed forms. This page fills the official IRS PDF and leaves the signature area blank so you can sign in whatever way your employer instructs, whether electronically or on paper.
Is W-4 the same as W-2 or W-9?
No. Form W-4 guides how much federal income tax your employer withholds from your wages. Form W-2 reports your annual wages and taxes withheld to you and the IRS. Form W-9 is generally used by payers to collect taxpayer identification information from nonemployees for certain IRS information returns, such as Forms 1099, so each form has a distinct role in the tax system.
Important disclaimer
This site is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. It provides a private tool that helps you fill the official IRS PDF in your browser. The information on this page is general and does not replace the official IRS instructions or professional advice. Always review your completed form and follow your employer's instructions and any applicable IRS guidance.