How To Fill Out a W-4 (2026): Step by Step

The current W-4 has five steps. Step 1 is your name, address, Social Security number, and filing status. Step 2 handles multiple jobs or a working spouse. Step 3 is where you claim dependents. Step 4 covers other income, deductions, and extra withholding. Step 5 is your signature. Most single-job filers only complete Steps 1 and 5.

The W-4 no longer uses allowances, so there's no '0 or 1' anymore. Instead, withholding is driven by your filing status, dependents, and any adjustments you enter. To withhold more (like the old '0'), leave dependents blank or add extra withholding on line 4(c). To withhold less, claim your dependents in Step 3.

Add a dollar amount on line 4(c), 'Extra withholding.' That amount is taken from every paycheck on top of the normal calculation. You can also leave Step 3 (dependents) blank. This is the simplest way to boost your refund or cover income that isn't otherwise withheld.

Step 2 accounts for having more than one job, or a spouse who also works. Without it, each job withholds as if it's your only income, which under-withholds your combined tax. You can check box 2(c) if the two jobs have similar pay, use the IRS estimator, or fill out the multiple-jobs worksheet.

In Step 3, multiply your number of qualifying children under 17 by $2,000, and other dependents by $500, then enter the total. This directly reduces your withholding, giving you more take-home pay each check. Only one spouse should claim the dependents if you're married and both work.

Any time your situation changes: a new job, marriage or divorce, a new child, a big raise, a second job, or if you owed or got a large refund last year. There's no limit on how often you can update it — submit a new W-4 to your employer's payroll and it takes effect within a paycheck or two.