How to fill out a W-4 in 2026

Updated October 8, 2026 · WageSignals

The W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to set aside from each paycheck. It does not change what you owe for the year: it changes how much you pay now and how much you settle when you file. Since 2020 there are no "allowances"; there are five steps.

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Step 1: your details and filing status

Name, address, Social Security number and one of three boxes: single or married filing separately; married filing jointly; or head of household.

Head of household only applies if you are unmarried and pay more than half the costs of keeping up a home for yourself and a qualifying individual.

Step 2: if you have two jobs or your spouse works

If you have more than one job, or you are married and your spouse also works, check the box in Step 2(c) on both forms. Without it, each employer withholds as if it were your only income and you usually owe at tax time.

Example: at $22 an hour, federal withholding goes from $127.35 to $217.39 per paycheck when you check it.

Step 3: children and dependents

If your total income is $200,000 or less ($400,000 if married filing jointly): multiply your qualifying children under 17 by $2,200 and other dependents by $500, and enter the total.

Example: with one child, entering $2,200 lowers withholding from $127.35 to $42.74 per biweekly paycheck.

Step 4: other adjustments (optional)

4(a) Other income with no withholding, such as interest or dividends.

4(b) Deductions: if you will deduct more than the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $24,150 head of household, $32,200 married in 2026). The 2025–2028 overtime and tips deduction also goes here.

4(c) Extra withholding: a fixed additional amount from each paycheck, if you prefer not to owe when you file.

Step 5: sign and date

The form is not valid without a signature. You can give your employer a new one whenever your situation changes: marriage, a child, a second job.

If you only complete Steps 1 and 5

That is valid. Your employer will withhold based on your filing status and the standard deduction, with no other adjustments. It is what our calculator assumes in Quick mode.

Frequently asked questions

What do I put if I am single with no dependents?

Check "Single" in Step 1, leave Steps 2, 3 and 4 blank (unless you have two jobs) and sign in Step 5.

Can I claim exempt?

Only if you owed no federal income tax last year and expect to owe none this year. If you do not meet both conditions, you do not qualify.

Does the W-4 change state tax?

No. Most states with a wage tax have their own form.

Official sources

General information, not tax or legal advice.