California Form DE 4: What It Is and How to Fill It Out Correctly

f you’ve ever started a job in California and thought, “Wait, didn’t I already fill out a tax form?” you’re not alone.

The DE 4 often shows up right after the W-4 and it can feel redundant or confusing. But it matters. While the W-4 covers your federal tax withholding, Form DE 4 controls your California state income tax.

Getting it wrong could mean underpaying the state or ending up with a bigger refund than expected. That might sound nice, but it actually means you overpaid throughout the year.

Here’s what you need to know to get it right, without the guesswork.

1. What is Form DE 4

Form DE 4 is California’s Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. If you live or work in California, your employer will likely ask you to complete this form to determine how much state income tax should be withheld from your paycheck.

It’s not the same as the federal W-4. The W-4 controls your federal withholding, while the DE 4 is used only for California state tax.

2. Why It Matters

If you guess or skip this form, you might underpay or overpay your California taxes throughout the year. That can lead to a surprise balance due, or an unnecessary refund at tax time.

Filling it out correctly helps make sure your paycheck and tax outcome align with your real situation.

3. Step-by-Step Guide

Section 1 Personal Information

Fill in your legal name, address, Social Security Number, and filing status.

Section 2 Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works

Check the box if you or your spouse have more than one job. This helps avoid under-withholding.

Section 3 Claim Allowances

Use the worksheet on Page 2 to calculate your allowances. These lower your withholding and increase your take-home pay.

Section 4 Additional Withholding

Enter an extra dollar amount if you want more tax withheld each pay period.

Section 5 Exemption from Withholding

Only fill this out if you meet both conditions: you had no tax liability last year and expect none this year.

Signature Section

Sign and date the form. Without a signature, your form won’t be valid.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Claiming exemption when you don’t qualify
• Leaving the allowance section blank or guessing
• Using federal W-4 info instead of reviewing the DE 4
• Forgetting to update the form after a life change
• Submitting without a signature

Final Thoughts

California has its own rules, and Form DE 4 is part of the process. Getting it right means fewer surprises, more accurate paychecks, and staying compliant with state tax laws.

If you’d like to see how each section looks when filled out, check out our visual walkthrough on Instagram, it’s all there step by step.

We hope this walkthrough helps you feel more confident and informed. You’ve got this, and we’re with you.