Form W-4 includes three types of information that your employer will use to figure your withholding. Whether to withhold at the single rate or married rate. How many withholding allowances you claim (each allowance reduces the amount withheld). Whether you want an additional amount withheld.
Here's how to complete the form: Step 1: Provide Your Personal Information. Step 2: Specify Multiple Jobs or a Working Spouse. Multiple Jobs Worksheet. Step 3: Claim Dependents. Step 4: Make Additional Adjustments. Step 5: Sign and Date Your W-4.
Box a—Employer's name, address, and ZIP code. Box b—Employer identification number (EIN). Box c—Tax year/Form corrected. Box d—Employee's correct SSN. Box e—Corrected SSN and/or name. Box f—Employee's previously reported SSN. Box g—Employee's previously reported name.
Social Security matches the name and Social Security number (SSN) on each Form W-2 against its database of all SSNs issued.
The right side of Form W-2 reports wages, taxes withheld, and benefits. Box 1: Taxable wages, tips, and other compensation. Box 2: Federal income tax withheld. Box 3: Social security wages. Box 4: Social security tax withheld. Box 5: Medicare wages and tips. Box 6: Medicare tax withheld.
The W-2 is one of the most important tax forms. Unlike many other tax forms, most individual taxpayers won't need to fill this one out themselves. Rather, employers fill out W-2 forms for their employees.
For 2025, if you believe your itemized deductions will exceed $15,000 (if you're single or married filing separate), $30,000 (if you're married filing jointly), or $22,500 (if you're the head of household), you should consider filling out the deductions worksheet.