When to update your W-4
• You started a new job • You got married or divorced • A child was born or aged out of CTC • Your spouse started or stopped working • You picked up a 1099 side gig
How to use the IRS estimator
Grab your most recent paystub and last year's tax return. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator walks you through 7 screens and outputs the exact entries to put on a new W-4 — including extra dollars to withhold per paycheck.
If you have multiple jobs
Check the box in Step 2(c) on the W-4 of every job (if both jobs pay similarly). Otherwise use the multiple-jobs worksheet on page 3 of the W-4 instructions.