Things You'll Need:
- Form W-4
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Step 1
Ask your boss or human resources department for a form W-4, or download and print the PDF version from the IRS website. Although it is not required, the IRS suggests filling out a new form W-4 every year and any time there is a significant change in your tax situation.
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Step 2
Complete the personal allowances worksheet attached to the form to figure how many exemptions you should claim. You will be asked to provide information about yourself and other members of your household. As a general rule, you should claim one exemption for each person living in your household who can be claimed as a dependent, including yourself and your spouse. Claiming "0" results in the maximum amount of taxes being withheld.
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Step 3
Complete the worksheets for itemized deductions and multiple jobs if necessary. These worksheets will help you to further adjust your withholding if one of these conditions apply to your personal situation. Be sure to follow all instructions closely.
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Step 4
Fill out the top portion of form W-4 with personal information such as your name, address, filing status and Social Security number. Enter the number of allowances you wish to claim in the middle of the form. You may elect to have an additional amount of money to be withheld from each paycheck in this section.
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Step 5
Sign and date the form and return it to your employer or human resources department. If the form is being sent to the IRS, your employer will need to complete sections 8 and 10 before mailing it in.
