Withholding

How to Fill Out a W-4 (2026)

Your W-4 tells your employer how much federal tax to withhold from each paycheck. Get it right and you avoid both a big tax bill and an oversized refund. Here are all five steps in plain English.

The W-4 Isn’t About “Allowances” Anymore

The old “claim 0 or 1” system is gone (since 2020). The current W-4 asks direct questions instead. Most people only need Step 1 and Step 5; the middle steps fine-tune your withholding.

Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Personal information

Name, address, Social Security number, and filing status (single, married filing jointly, or head of household). Required.

Step 2 — Multiple jobs or a working spouse

Complete this only if you have more than one job, or you’re married filing jointly and your spouse also works. Check the box on both W-4s if the two jobs earn similar amounts, or use the IRS estimator for precision. Skipping this when it applies is the #1 cause of under-withholding.

Step 3 — Dependents

If your total income will be under the limit ($200,000 single / $400,000 joint), enter $2,000 per qualifying child under 17 and $500 per other dependent. This reduces withholding.

Step 4 — Other adjustments (optional)

(a) other income not from jobs (interest, dividends, self-employment); (b) deductions beyond the standard deduction; (c) extra withholding — a flat dollar amount to take from each check. Step 4(c) is the simplest lever if you want a bigger refund or to cover side income.

Step 5 — Sign and date

It isn’t valid until you sign. Give it to your employer, not the IRS.

Common Situations

Single, one job: Steps 1 and 5 only. Standard withholding is usually accurate.
Married, both work: Complete Step 2 on the higher-paying job’s W-4 to avoid a bill.
Want more take-home now: claim dependents in Step 3 if eligible; don’t add extra withholding. (Just don’t under-withhold into a penalty.)
Want a bigger refund / owe every year: add a dollar amount in Step 4(c).

The W-4 sets withholding, not your actual tax. It only changes when you pay — each paycheck vs. at filing. Your total tax owed is the same either way.

Free download: the printable 2026 W-4 Worksheet walks all five steps with fill-in blanks and a quick-pick guide for your situation.

Get the printable W-4 Worksheet →

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I claim 0 or 1 on my W-4?

That old system no longer exists. Today’s W-4 uses filing status, dependents (Step 3), and optional extra withholding (Step 4c). To withhold more, add a dollar amount in Step 4(c); to withhold less, claim eligible dependents in Step 3.

How do I get more money in each paycheck from my W-4?

Claim any qualifying dependents in Step 3 and avoid adding extra withholding in Step 4(c). Be careful not to under-withhold so much that you owe a penalty at tax time.

What do I put on my W-4 if I’m married and both spouses work?

Complete Step 2 on the higher earner’s W-4 (check box 2c if both jobs pay similarly), and only claim dependents on one of your W-4s to avoid under-withholding.

Do I send my W-4 to the IRS?

No. You give it to your employer, who uses it to calculate paycheck withholding. Keep a copy for your records.

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