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How to fill out your W-4 (2026)
Most people with one job only complete Step 1 and Step 5. Steps 2 to 4 are optional.
Step 1Name, address, Social Security number and filing status: Single or Married filing separately, Married filing jointly, or Head of household. An ITIN cannot be used.
Step 2Only if you have more than one job, or you and your spouse both work. With exactly two jobs, check the Step 2(c) box on both W-4s. Otherwise use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and enter the result in Step 4(c) on one W-4.
Step 3Dependents: $2,200 for each child under 17, plus $500 for each other dependent. Add them up. If both spouses work, only one of you enters dependents.
Step 4(a) other income that is not from a job. (b) deductions: the total from the Deductions Worksheet. (c) extra tax to withhold from each paycheck.
Step 5Sign and date. Give the form to your employer.
Visa holder or nonresident alien (F-1, J-1 and others)?
A Social Security number is required. In Step 1(c) check Single or Married filing separately, and write “NRA” below Step 4(c). Do not claim exempt. Read the full guide before filling out the form.
Common mistakes
- Both spouses entering the same dependents or deductions
- Choosing Single when you qualify as Head of household
- Forgetting tax on freelance or side income (use Step 4(c))
- Not updating the form after marriage, a new baby, or a second job
Free calculator, no account needed: w4calc.com
Full guide: w4calc.com/guides/how-to-fill-out-w4
Educational information, not tax advice. Official form and instructions: irs.gov/w4
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