Form W-4Employment Tax
Employee's Withholding Certificate
Tells employer how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck. Updated when personal or financial situation changes.
Who Files This Form
Employees (given to employer)
Due Date
When hired, and whenever withholding needs adjustment
Important Notes
The 2020+ W-4 form removed 'allowances' and uses a 5-step process. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (irs.gov/W4app) to fill it out correctly.
Related Forms
Official IRS Source
Always download the current version and instructions from the IRS website before filing.
Educational Reference Only: This is general information about Form W-4, not tax advice. Form instructions change annually. Always download the current version from irs.gov and read the official instructions. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation. Read full disclaimer →