✏️ Choose ONE of these three options:

You don't need to do all three — just pick the one that fits your situation best.

Option A — Use the IRS estimator (most accurate)

Go to irs.gov/W4App and answer a few questions. The tool tells you exactly what to enter on your W-4.

→ Best if: you want the most exact answer, have freelance income, or your situation is complicated

Option B — Use the worksheet on page 3 (more math)

Fill out the "Multiple Jobs Worksheet" on page 3 of the form, then enter the result in the Extra Withholding section.

→ Best if: you prefer paper over online tools but still want accuracy

Option C — Check the box (simplest)

Just check the box in section 2(c). That's it.

Important: Your spouse (or you, at your other job) must also check the same box on their W-4.

→ Best if: there are exactly two jobs total and the pay is fairly similar

✅ Not sure which to pick? If you have two jobs (or you and your spouse each have one job) and the pay is reasonably close, Option C is the easiest — just check the box on both W-4s.

Option C still works, but it might withhold slightly more tax than necessary. You'd get it back as a refund. If you want your paychecks to be more precise, use Option A (the IRS estimator) instead. You'll need to use Option A (the IRS estimator) or Option B (the worksheet). The checkbox method only works for exactly two jobs total. If you choose Option C (the checkbox), check the box on both W-4s. If you use Option A or B, complete the Dependents and Other Adjustments sections on only ONE W-4 — typically for your highest-paying job. Leave those sections blank on the other W-4(s). The checkbox doesn't reveal details — it just signals that there's another job in your household. If you're uncomfortable with even that, use Option A (the IRS estimator) instead. It gives you a dollar amount to enter in the Extra Withholding section, which doesn't indicate why.

W-4 Form

Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works

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