how to fill w4 correctly with two jobs

[farzete]

hi, i have two jobs and i am a little confused on how to fill the w4 for both of my jobs. On my main job i did the calculations on the irs withholding estimator so i entered that amount to withhold certain amount. But is it not better to withhold that amount on my second job instead? Also i am not sure if i need to check the box for the "multiple jobs or spouse works" thanks!

[DavidD66]

It doesn't really matter which job you have withhold an additional amount.  A $100 of tax withheld is exactly the same regardless of which employer withholds it.  That said, if you are more likely to quit or otherwise leave your second job, it might make more sense to have it withheld by them.  That way the additional amount won't continue to be withheld if leave and then only have one job.  If you used the IRS withholding calculator, you fill out your W-4 according to the way you entered the information in to the calculator.  If you indicated multiple jobs and and spouse working for the calculator, you need to check those on the W-4, otherwise the actual withholding will differ from what was calculated.  

[farzete]

i actually just chose that i have 2 jobs on the calculator and it gave me the option to download a "pre-filled w4 form" and in there the box for having 2 jobs is not selected... so i can enter the withhold amount that was pre filled on the w4 form from the estimator on my second job instead of first job. but then i don't need to mark the "multiple work" box on any of the w4 forms then?

[LindaS5247]

You are correct if you are entering the amount to be withheld you will not need to select multiple jobs.

You can click here for How to calculate your W-4.