Free official route first
Form W-4 — free from the IRS
You do not need a generator for a W-4: the IRS publishes it as a free fillable PDF, and its Tax Withholding Estimator helps employees decide what to enter.
Form W-4 (PDF)The free ways to do it
Employees and employers
The IRS’s fillable Form W-4
Free to download and fill in. The employee completes it and gives it to the employer; it is not sent to the IRS.
Form W-4 (PDF)Employees
Work out what to enter
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator suggests W-4 entries from your income, credits and other jobs.
Tax Withholding EstimatorSee what it does to your paycheck
Our free calculators estimate take-home pay for every state after federal and state withholding.
Paycheck calculatorsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Form W-4?
Employees complete Form W-4 so their employer can withhold the correct federal income tax from their pay.
When should an employee complete a new W-4?
When starting a new job, and whenever their personal or financial situation changes — for example marriage, a new child, or a second job.