W-4 cheat sheet
Everyone fills in Step 1 and Step 5. Steps 2 to 4 only if they apply.
- Step 1: name, address, Social Security number, filing status
- Step 2: more than one job, or a spouse who works
- Step 3: dependents
- Step 4: other income, deductions or extra withholding
- Tips or overtime? Page 4 worksheet, result goes in Step 4(b)
- Exempt box: only if you owed no federal income tax in 2025 and expect none in 2026
- Step 5: sign and date. Then check your first paycheck
2026 form. No more "allowances." Not sure? The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can fill in a W-4 for you.