To fill out a W-4 form correctly in 2025, follow these steps:
- Enter your personal information
Provide your full name, address, Social Security number, and select your tax filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse)
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Account for all jobs and spousal income
If you have more than one job or your spouse works, you need to consider combined income to avoid under-withholding. You have three options:- Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator online for the most accurate withholding amount, especially if you or your spouse have self-employment income.
- Complete the Multiple Jobs Worksheet included with the form if you prefer not to disclose other incomes to your employer.
- Check the box on the W-4 forms for both jobs if you and your spouse have two jobs with similar pay, which applies a default withholding rate
- Claim dependents
If your income is $200,000 or less ($400,000 if married filing jointly), you can claim child and dependent tax credits by entering the number of qualifying dependents multiplied by the credit amount. This reduces your withholding. If you want more tax withheld, you can choose not to claim dependents here
- Make other adjustments (optional)
- Line 4(a): Add other income not subject to withholding (e.g., retirement or interest income).
- Line 4(b): Enter estimated deductions if you plan to itemize instead of taking the standard deduction (use the deductions worksheet).
- Line 4(c): Specify any additional tax you want withheld from each paycheck
- Sign and date the form
After completing all applicable sections, sign and date the W-4 and submit it to your employer’s HR or payroll department. Some employers may allow you to submit it electronically
By carefully completing the W-4, you help ensure the right amount of federal income tax is withheld from your paycheck, avoiding surprises at tax time
. This process reflects the 2025 W-4 form instructions and considerations for accuracy and tax planning
