What is the W-4 form?
- Alejandro
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Form W-4 is given to your employer when you start a job (or when your finances change) to tell them how much money to withhold from your paycheck each time you get paid.
Based on this information, your employer calculates federal withholdings and gives you a Form W-2 with all the details at the end of the fiscal year.
Steps for Correctly Filling Out Form W-4 and Requesting Proper Withholding
1. Fill in your personal information (Step 1).
Here you must include:
Your full legal name
Address
Social Security Number (SSN)
Marital status for tax purposes:
Single
Married filing jointly (married filing jointly)
Head of household (if you qualify)
This step defines the base withholding rate.
2. Indicate if you have more than one job or if your spouse also works (Step 2).
This step is very important so that you do not fall short on your withholding:
If you have more than one job.
If your spouse also works, you must check this box or use the “Multiple Jobs Worksheet” to adjust your withholding correctly.
If you omit this step, it is very likely that you will be withheld less than you owe and end up owing money.
3. Dependents and Tax Credits (Step 3).
If you have minor children or qualifying dependents, you can claim credits here:
$2,000 for each dependent under age 17.
$500 for other dependents
This reduces the amount the employer will withhold from your paycheck, but if you miscalculate, you could receive less of a refund or even owe.
4. Other adjustments and deductions (Step 4)
Here you can:
4(a): Include other income that is not subject to withholding (interest, extra work, etc.).
4(b): Include deductions that you are going to claim (for example, if you know you are going to itemize deductions instead of the standard deduction).
4(c): Request backup withholding by check (recommended if you want to make sure you don't owe).
This step is key if you have other income, such as self-employment or investments.
5. Signature and date (Step 5)
This step validates the form. Without a signature, the employer cannot process it.
Additional recommendations to avoid becoming negative at the end of the year:
1. Use the IRS Withholding Estimator.
You can go to irs.gov/w4app and do an interactive simulation to find out how much you should withhold based on your income and family situation.
2. Update your W-4 whenever your income or personal situation changes.
For example, if:
You get a second job
Your spouse starts or stops working
You have a child
Your deductions change
3. If you received very high refunds or had to pay a lot in previous years, adjust your W-4.
Many taxpayers are surprised by high balances because they don't revise their W-4 after major changes.
Summary of Key Actions
Step | Action |
1 | Fill in your personal information correctly |
2 | Report multiple jobs if applicable |
3 | Claim dependents only if you qualify |
4 | Adjust with extra withholding if you have other income |
5 | Sign and submit to your employer |
Extra | Use the IRS estimator to ensure proper withholding |
At Professional Taxes LLC We Are Here To Help
If you need help filling out your Form W-4 or are ready to file your taxes, we’re here for you!. At Professional Taxes LLC we support you every step of the way, no matter if you have years of unfiled taxes or this is your first time filing in the U.S.
Contact us today and let us help you get up to date with the IRS. Financial peace of mind starts with good advice!
PROFESSIONAL TAXES LLC.
480-3430299
3162 E Roeser Rd. Phoenix, AZ. 85040
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