TL;DR
- ✅ W-4P: pensions and annuities paid in regular installments
- ✅ W-4R: IRA withdrawals, rollovers and other one-time retirement payments
- ✅ W-4V: Social Security and certain other government payments (7, 10, 12 or 22 percent)
- ✅ The W-4P is laid out like the W-4: filing status, other income, deductions, extra withholding
Which form do you need?
| Form | Covers | Given to |
|---|---|---|
| W-4 | Wages from a job | Employer |
| W-4P | Periodic pension, annuity, certain plan payments | Pension or annuity payer |
| W-4R | Nonperiodic payments, IRA distributions, rollovers | Plan administrator or IRA custodian |
| W-4V | Social Security, some unemployment and other government payments | Agency paying you |
How to fill out Form W-4P
Step 1
Name, address, Social Security number and filing status: Single or Married filing separately, Married filing jointly, or Head of household.
Step 2
Complete only if you have more than one pension or annuity, or a pension and a working spouse. It works like W-4 Step 2.
Step 3
Claim dependents: $2,200 per qualifying child under 17 and $500 per other dependent.
Step 4
(a) Other income not subject to withholding, such as interest, dividends or Social Security you want covered. (b) Deductions beyond the standard deduction. (c) Extra withholding per payment.
Sign
Sign and date, and give it to the payer, not the IRS.
If you do not file a W-4P, the payer withholds as if you were single with no adjustments. That can over-withhold for a couple and under-withhold for someone with extra income, so the form is worth a few minutes.
Estimate your retirement withholding — free
The W-4 calculator walks through the same steps; use it to size Step 4(c) for your pension.
Open the W-4 Calculator →Common retiree mistakes
- Forgetting Social Security is taxable. Up to 85 percent can be taxable depending on income. Use W-4V or Step 4(c) to cover it.
- Large IRA withdrawals with the default rate. 10 percent may be far below your actual tax. Use W-4R or estimated payments.
- Two pensions and no Step 2. Same problem as two jobs; see W-4 Step 2.
- Not rechecking after income changes. Required minimum distributions can push tax up. Compare to the safe harbor in our safe harbor guide.
⚠️ Still working part-time?
Your wages use a regular W-4, and your pension uses a W-4P. Coordinate both so the combined withholding is right; see how to stop owing taxes and the Step 4(c) guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Form W-4P?
Form W-4P is the withholding certificate for periodic pension, annuity and similar retirement payments. You give it to the payer so they withhold the right federal income tax from each payment, the same way a W-4 works for wages.
What is the difference between W-4, W-4P, W-4R and W-4V?
W-4 is for wages. W-4P is for periodic pension or annuity payments. W-4R is for nonperiodic payments and IRA distributions, including rollovers. W-4V is for voluntary withholding from Social Security, certain unemployment compensation and some other government payments.
What happens if I do not give my pension payer a W-4P?
The payer withholds as if you were single with no adjustments. That is often too much for a retired couple and too little if you have other income, so it is worth filing the form.
Can I have tax withheld from Social Security?
Yes, with Form W-4V. You can choose 7, 10, 12 or 22 percent of each payment. Part of your Social Security may be taxable depending on your total income.
Is there a default withholding on IRA withdrawals?
Yes. For nonperiodic payments the default is 10 percent, and 20 percent for eligible rollover distributions paid to you from an employer plan. You can change the rate on Form W-4R.
Key terms in this article
Related guides
IRS Safe Harbor: How to Avoid Underpayment Penalties on Your W-4 (2026)
The IRS charges penalties when you underpay by too much. The safe harbor rules let you optimize your W-4 aggressively without triggering them.
W-4 Step 4(c): How Much Extra Withholding to Enter (2026)
The formula for the Step 4(c) amount, with worked examples for owing in April, bigger refunds and side income.
W-4 Step 2 Explained: Multiple Jobs Checkbox vs Worksheet (2026)
Step 2 is the most commonly skipped section — and the most expensive to ignore. Here's what it does and which method to use.
How to Stop Owing Taxes at Tax Time: Fix Your W-4 (2026)
Owe the IRS every April? Why withholding falls short and which W-4 lines close the gap on your next paycheck.
W-4 When You Retire: Pension, Social Security and Withholding (2026)
Which withholding form applies to each retirement income source, how Social Security is taxed, and how to avoid a surprise bill.
Senior Deduction on Your 2026 W-4: $6,000 for Age 65+ and Where It Goes
Who qualifies for the $6,000 senior deduction, how the phase-out works, and the W-4 worksheet lines to use.
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