The free W-4

Form W-4 tells an employer how much federal income tax to withhold. The W-4 builder fills page 1 of the official IRS form for the year you pick.

• Step 1: name, SSN, address and filing status.
• Steps 2 to 4: only if they apply. Multiple jobs, credits for qualifying children and other dependents, other income, deductions and extra withholding. The 2026 form also has an exemption checkbox.
• Step 5: sign with a typed signature, or leave it blank to sign by hand.
• Employers only: the employer's name, address, first date of employment and EIN. Leave blank if you're the employee.

For the most accurate withholding, the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (irs.gov/W4App) is the best guide. W-4s are always free and aren't saved to your history.