W-4 Form: Extra Withholding, Exemptions, and Other Things Workers Need to Know

Knowing how the IRS Form W-4 form works can help with new jobs, tax refunds, and avoiding estimated tax payments.

pen laying on a W-4 form
(Image credit: Getty Images)

When you start a new job, your employer will ask you to complete a W-4 form. This form requires you to provide information such as your expected filing status, family income from other jobs, number of dependents, and tax deductions you plan to claim. The IRS W-4 helps determine the correct amount of income tax your employer will withhold from your wages.

You can also use the W-4 if you have a side hustle and want to avoid estimated tax payments or if you receive any other non-wage income throughout the year. Additionally, you can use the W-4 form to adjust your tax refund for the following year.

So, it is important to fill out the W-4 form correctly. To help, here are ten things you need to know.

Rocky Mengle

Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.

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