What Are Forms W-4? A Primer for Employers
As an employer, the IRS requires you to collect Forms W-4 from all employees. Here are answers to a few common questions about the W-4.
Justworks is a technology company that levels the playing field for all small businesses. Through our software and as a partner, we help our customers take care of their teams, streamline their operations, and navigate the complex aspects of managing a workforce with confidence.
Welcoming a new hire to the office? After showing them the coffeemaker (priorities!), make sure they fill out a Form W-4.
What’s the purpose of the W-4?
The IRS Form W-4 — which should be filled out by all employees — determines how much federal tax should be withheld from an employee’s paycheck every pay period. Employers withhold taxes so that employees won’t be subject to huge bills from the IRS come tax time.
Related Article: What is Employee Expense Reimbursement and How Does it Work?
The IRS calculates how much tax to withhold based on the withholding information each employee indicates on their Form W-4. The IRS also takes into account whether employees are filing jointly or on their own, among other factors.
What if an employee doesn’t fill out a W-4?
If an employee doesn’t submit a Form W-4, the IRS requires you to withhold taxes from them at the highest rate (which likely won’t come as welcome news).
Can I fill out the W-4 for my employees?
No. You can answer an employee’s questions, but can’t fill out the form or influence how they do so. If employees need help determining their withholding allowances, you can direct them to the IRS’s withholding calculator.
Must employees update W-4 forms every year?
The IRS requires employees to fill out a new form upon starting a new job. However, as an employer, it’s helpful to remind employees to provide a new Form W-4 if their personal or financial situation has changed. This will ensure that an appropriate amount of taxes is being withheld from each paycheck.
Related Article: LMNOP...QLE? Your Quick Guide to Qualifying Life Events
What happens if too much tax is withheld?
If your employee didn’t claim all the allowances they were entitled to, their employer cannot repay the tax previously withheld — but the employer should ensure that the employee fills out a revised W-4 to correct the amount moving forward. If, however, the employer mistakenly withheld too much tax from an employee’s paycheck, the IRS has rules regarding how employers should return these amounts.
Where can I find the W-4 form?
You can find the latest version of the W-4 along with any relevant updates on the IRS website here.
Learn more with Justworks’ Resources
Scale your business and build your team — no matter which way it grows. Access the tools, perks, and resources to help you stay compliant and grow in all 50 states.
