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Guide · Tax forms

How to fill out Form W-4 (2026)

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Short answer

To fill out the 2026 Form W-4, complete Step 1 (name, address, SSN and filing status) and Step 5 (sign and date). Complete Steps 2–4 only if they apply: Step 2 for multiple jobs or a working spouse, Step 3 for dependents, and Step 4 for other income, deductions beyond the standard deduction, or extra withholding. Give it to your employer, not the IRS.

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Who needs a new W-4

New employees fill one out when they start a job. The IRS says to complete a new form when changes to your personal or financial situation would change the entries on it, such as marriage, a new child, a second job or a spouse starting work. If you have multiple jobs and haven't updated your withholding since 2019, the 2026 instructions recommend submitting a new form for all other jobs.

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The five steps

  1. 1

    Step 1: Personal information

    Name, address, Social Security number and filing status: single or married filing separately, married filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse, or head of household.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Multiple jobs or spouse works

    Do one of three things: use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at irs.gov/W4App (recommended if you have self-employment income), use the Multiple Jobs Worksheet and enter the result in Step 4(c), or check the box if there are only two jobs in total and check it on both W-4s.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Dependents and other credits

    If your total income will be $200,000 or less ($400,000 or less if married filing jointly), multiply qualifying children under 17 by $2,200 and other dependents by $500, and add other credits.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Other adjustments

    (a) other income without withholding, such as interest or dividends; (b) deductions from the Deductions Worksheet if you expect more than the standard deduction; (c) extra tax to withhold each pay period.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Sign and date

    The form is not valid unless you sign it.

What changed on the 2026 form

The child amount in Step 3 is $2,200 per qualifying child under 17. The Step 4(b) Deductions Worksheet has new lines for qualified tips (up to $25,000), qualified overtime compensation (up to $12,500, or $25,000 if married filing jointly), qualified passenger vehicle loan interest (up to $10,000), and an additional $6,000 for each taxpayer age 65 or older, each with income limits. The worksheet points to Schedule 1-A (Form 1040) for who qualifies.

If you expect any of these deductions, completing the worksheet reduces your withholding so less is taken from each paycheck. Estimate conservatively; overestimating can leave you owing tax at filing time.

Claiming exemption from withholding

You can claim exemption for 2026 only if you had no federal income tax liability in 2025 and expect none in 2026. To claim it, check the box in the “Exempt from withholding” section and complete only Steps 1(a), 1(b) and 5. The exemption lasts for the year: you will need to submit a new W-4 by February 16, 2027 to keep it.

Fill it out with PDFBetter

Open the 2026 W-4 from irs.gov in Fill PDF, type your entries and sign Step 5. Ask your employer whether they accept the PDF or want you to use their payroll system; many employers collect W-4 information through an online portal. Keep the worksheets for your records; they are not submitted.

Tools used in this guide

Questions people ask

Do I have to fill out Steps 2 through 4?

No. They're optional. If you skip them, withholding is based on your filing status and the standard deduction.

Should I use the multiple jobs checkbox or the worksheet?

The form says the Step 2(c) checkbox is generally more accurate when the lower-paying job pays more than half of the higher-paying job; otherwise the worksheet is more accurate. The online estimator is the most accurate option.

Where do the new tips and overtime deductions go?

In the Step 4(b) Deductions Worksheet, lines 1a and 1b. The worksheet total goes on Step 4(b) of the form.

Do I send the W-4 to the IRS?

No. Give it to your employer, who uses it to calculate withholding.

When does a claim of exempt status expire?

A 2026 exemption claim requires a new Form W-4 by February 16, 2027.