09/11/2025
It is not too late to update your IRS Form W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Certificate).
This form tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. I’m always educating my clients on having the correct amount of taxes withheld from their check. Paying taxes during the year keeps you compliant, avoids penalties, spreads out the cost, and reduces stress at filing time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filling it out:
Step 1️⃣: Personal Information
• Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, and filing status (Single/Married Filing Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of household).
• Your filing status affects your standard deduction and withholding rate.
Step 2️⃣: Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works (if applies)
• Complete this only if you have more than one job at the same time, or if your spouse also works.
Step 3️⃣: Claim Dependents
• Enter the number of dependents you’re eligible for and calculate the credit:
• Under age 17: multiply by $2,000
• Other dependents: multiply by $500
• Add them up and write the total
Step 4️⃣: Other Adjustments (optional)
You can adjust withholding further:
• 4(a): Other income (not from jobs) – e.g., interest, dividends, retirement.
• 4(b): Deductions – if you plan to itemize and they’ll be higher than the standard deduction.
• 4(c): Extra withholding – if you want a fixed additional amount withheld each paycheck.
Step 5️⃣: Sign and Date
• Form isn’t valid without your signature.
✅ Tips:
• If you want the most accurate withholding, use the IRS online Tax Withholding Estimator.
• You can submit a new W-4 anytime if your circumstances change (marriage, new baby, second job, etc.)