How to Fill Out a W-4 Tax Form

The IRS requires that a W-4 form be filled out whenever someone starts a new job or wishes to change the amount of federal withholding tax that is taken out of their payroll check. Often W-4 forms are provided by your employer, but, if not, the form can be downloaded and completed at the IRS official website. Most of those who have been in the work force for a while have filled out many W-4 forms. Only the bottom portion of the form is completed and it is important to write as legibly as possible.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Enter your first name and middle initial in the first two boxes of section 1. Next, enter your home address on the second row. This should include the number and street name. Enter your city, state and ZIP code on the third row in the same section.

2. Enter your Social Security Number in box 2.

3. Check the appropriate option that applies to you in box 3. This section must be completed.

4. Check box 4 if the name on your Social Security card is different from the name you entered in section 1 of the W-4. If this does not apply to you, leave blank.

5. Enter the total number of dependents that you have in box 5. The more dependents that you list, the less tax will be withheld. If you want the maximum amount of tax withheld, enter "0" in box 5.

6. Enter any additional amount that you want withheld from your payroll check in box 6.

7. Write "Exempt" in box 7 if you are exempt from tax and want no federal withholding to come out of your payroll check. This does not apply to many people, so be sure that it applies to you before completing this box. Contact the IRS or a tax professional for help. If it does not apply to you, leave it blank.

8. Sign and date the form on the appropriate lines.

9. Leave box 8 blank.

Resources

• Form W-4