This step is optional and gives the user a chance to make the most accurate estimations of the values to be withheld from taxes. You can also make an additional estimated tax payment or request that more tax be withheld, if you prepare to owe more tax when you file your tax return in the following year. Most people receive W-4 forms from their employers when they begin Accounting For Architects working. Payroll departments use the information employees provide on their W-4 forms to determine how much money should be withheld from their paychecks for federal taxes.

Can You File Jointly if Not Married in Texas?

• The following are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the W-4 form and how it’s used to determine your paycheck withholding amount.
• Your filing status is a crucial factor in determining your tax liability and withholding.
• If you’ve found that you want to make further changes, just fill out the form again.
• Filling out a W-4 form may seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward process.
• The IRS suggests that you use its withholding estimator provided online to calculate the most accurate withholding amount in these situations.

Whenever you run into any major life changes, you’ll want to update this form, too. Obviously, if you get a new job, you’ll fill out a new one, but if you get married, have a kid, or get a second job, you’ll ask for a new W-4, then adjust accordingly. Each section is designed to account for various factors affecting your tax liability, like the standard deduction and Child Tax Credit, which can affect your final tax bill or tax refund amount. If you withhold too little tax, you could owe the IRS a surprisingly large sum in April, plus interest and penalties for underpaying during the year. Adding $50,000 and $40,000 together for a total income of $90,000 would yield $2,220 for line 2c (from the $80,000–$99,999 row and the $10,000–$19,999 column).

Summary of Changes in the 2025 W-4 Form

Form W-4 gives you the information you need to ensure accurate withholding for each of your employees. But Form W-4 went through some changes back in 2020—and your employees may have questions about how to fill it out. For line 4(b), you’ll need to turn to Page 3 on your form and fill out Step 4(b) — Deductions Worksheet. This worksheet will help you determine whether you’re better off taking the standard deduction or itemizing your deductions. You’ll also be able to tally up any other applicable tax deductions, such as student loan interest or deductible IRA contributions. Comprehensive Guide to State Tax Credits and Deductions Understanding state tax credits and deductions can…

Count the number of jobs held by you and your spouse (if applicable)

Snag a copy of your W-4 and make sure your tax filing status is up to date and you’re taking all the credits and deductions you qualify for. You can also divide up your tax bill by your company’s pay periods (for example, if you get bimonthly paychecks, you’d have 24 pay periods), and the result will be the additional money you should withhold. If you’re unsure whether you need to update your W-4 form, the IRS offers a helpful tool called the Tax Withholding Estimator. This online resource allows you to input your current financial information and provides personalized recommendations on whether you need to adjust your withholding.

If you don’t pay enough in taxes, you could get a high tax bill and even have to pay a penalty. The IRS releases updated versions of certain tax forms each year to tweak language for clarity and to update references to certain figures, such as tax credits, that may be adjusted for inflation. The 2025 W-4 was released on Dec. 17 and is available on the IRS website or through your employer. A W-4 form, or “Employee’s Withholding Certificate,” is an IRS tax document that employees fill out and submit to their employers. Employers use the information on a W-4 to calculate how much tax to withhold from an employee’s paycheck throughout the year. And when you’re busy learning the ropes of a new job, trying to fill out a 4-page W-4 form can be a huge hassle.