How to Fill Out a W4 IRS Form
When you get hired for a new job, one of the forms you'll have to fill out is the W-4 IRS form. This form, called the "Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate" is essential to proper payroll processing for the employer. Filling out this form correctly also allows ensures that you pay the correct amount of taxes each year. It's a quick and simple form that you can complete in a matter of minutes.
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Instructions
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Fill out the "Personal Allowances Worksheet" on page one of the form. This simple worksheet helps you add up all of the allowances that apply to your tax situation, including an allowance for yourself, your spouse and children, if applicable. If you have multiple workers in the home or more than one job, you may also have to fill out the "Two-Earners/Multiple Jobs Worksheet" on page two of Form W-4 after filling out the first worksheet to ensure that you're claiming the correct number of allowances.
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Fill out "Deductions and Adjustments Worksheet" on page two after completing the "Personal Allowances Worksheet" if you plan to itemize deductions on your tax return.
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Enter your name, address, social security number and filing status (single or married) in the main section of the W-4 form.
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Carry the number of allowances listed on the final line of the worksheet down to line five of the W-4 form. If you want your employer withhold an additional amount from your paycheck for any reason, enter that amount on line six.
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Claim exemption on your W-4 form only if you meet the requirements. Exemption is a rare case where you aren't required to pay federal income tax because you did not have to pay taxes in the previous year and do not expect to have to pay in the upcoming year. Consult your tax preparer before entering anything on this line of your form.
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Sign and date the form and give page one to your employer. The employer must fill out the rest.
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