IRS Form W-4: Employee's Withholding Certificate
Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your pay. You give it to your employer, not to the IRS. Updating it after a life change, a second job or a surprise balance due can help your withholding match what you will owe for the year.
What this form is for
It sets the amount taken out of each paycheck for federal income tax. The IRS offers a Tax Withholding Estimator to help fill it out.
When people usually use it
People fill it out when starting a job. Many update it after owing at tax time, getting married, having a child or adding a second job.
What to have ready
- Your most recent pay stub
- Last year's return
- Details about other jobs or income in your household
Notices that mention it
- IRS Notice CP14: Balance due
Related forms
- Form W-2: Wage and Tax Statement
- Form 1040-ES: Estimated Tax for Individuals
- Form 2210: Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates and Trusts
Read the IRS page
IRS.gov page for Form W-4 (opens in a new tab). The IRS page is the final word on this form.
Frequently asked questions
What is IRS Form W-4?
Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your pay. You give it to your employer, not to the IRS. Updating it after a life change, a second job or a surprise balance due can help your withholding match what you will owe for the year.
Where do I get Form W-4?
Use the official IRS page, https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4. Copies from other sites may be out of date, and the IRS page is the final word.
Do I need to file Form W-4?
There is no single answer. Check the IRS page for Form W-4 and any letter that asked about it. For advice on your case, talk with a tax professional.
What should I have ready for Form W-4?
Most people start with: your most recent pay stub; last year's return; details about other jobs or income in your household. The instructions on IRS.gov list everything the form asks for.
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