How to Fill Out a W-4 Form With Multiple Dependents

Keeping your W-4 accurate will ensure the correct number of allowances and adjustments at tax time.

The Internal Revenue Service W-4 form, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, is used to help employers withhold the correct amount of federal taxes from an employee's pay, based on the number of deductions and allowances. The W-4 includes worksheets to help complete the form. The Personal Allowances Worksheet can be used to calculate deductions, allowances and credits. The Deductions and Adjustments Worksheet is used for itemizing deductions and credits or adjustments to income; and the Two-Earners/Multiple Jobs Worksheet can calculate itemizations or adjustments to reduce withholding. Employees with multiple dependents can claim all dependents using just one W-4 form.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• IRS W-4 form

Instructions

1. Go to the IRS website to complete the interactive W-4 form. If you do not have Internet access, your employer can provide a paper copy of the W-4.

2. Complete the sections requiring your basic personal information. The form requests your first name, middle initial and last name. Provide your Social Security number and complete home address. You must also indicate your filing status. Select either single, married or married withholding as single. You must check the appropriate box if your current last name does not match your Social Security card and call the IRS at the number provided to replace your card.

3. Complete the Personal Allowances Worksheet. Follow the directions provided on the worksheet to answer the questions for items A-G. This is where you will figure in multiple dependents - specifically in item D which asks how many dependents you will claim other than yourself or your spouse. The more allowances (dependents) you claim, less income tax is taken out of your pay.

4. Indicate your number of allowances. Use the total from items A-G and figures from any of the other two applicable worksheets used.

5. Indicate any other amount you wish to be withheld from your pay. The Two-Earners/Multiple Jobs Worksheet can help you calculate your withholding when you hold more than one job to avoid paying too much in taxes.

6. Indicate whether you are exempt. This means that you meet both of the following IRS specified exemption requirements: you had no tax liability in the previous year and you expect to have no tax liability this year. Read item number seven carefully to see if you meet exemption requirements.

7. Conclude the form with your signature and date. If you completed the form online, print it out. Your employer will fill in the section requesting their name, address, office code (if applicable) and Emp;loyer Identification Number. Return the completed form to your employer.

Tips & Warnings

• The IRS recommends that employees complete a new W-4 form every year or when personal or financial information is updated such as a change in jobs or the number of dependents.

References

• IRS.gov: Form W-4