If W-4 information is incorrect, the amount an employer decides to withhold for that employee could be as well. Withholding errors fall into two categories: over-withholding or under-withholding.
Note: The W-4 form 2024 steps are the same as the W-4 form 2025 steps. Step 1: Enter your personal information. Step 2: Account for all jobs you and your spouse have. Step 3: Claim your children and other dependents. Step 4: Make other adjustments. Step 5: Sign and date your form.
Fill out your personal details, including your name, address, Social Security number, and filing status. Your filing status determines your eligibility for tax credits and deductions. You can select single, married filing separately, married filing jointly, qualifying surviving spouse, or head of household.
To increase the number of exemptions, the Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (W-4) must be submitted to NFC. Users can also use this option to decrease the number of exemptions.
Don't mark exempt ever on a W-4... even if you qualify this year you will forget to change it next year and you can get in extreme trouble in the future. If you file Single with one allowance this year, at your income level, little or no withholding will be taken and if it is then you can file a return to get it back.
Head of Household with Dependents You'll most likely get a tax refund if you claim no allowances or 1 allowance. If you want to get close to withholding your exact tax obligation, claim 2 allowances for yourself and an allowance for however many dependents you have (so claim 3 allowances if you have one dependent).
If you claim exemption, you will have no income tax withheld from your paycheck and may owe taxes and penalties when you file your 2025 tax return. To claim exemption from withholding, certify that you meet both of the conditions above by writing “Exempt” on Form W-4 in the space below Step 4(c).