What is a W-4?

A W-4 is a form that allows employers to determine how much of an employee’s salary should be withheld for taxes.

How to fill out a W-4  

Determining how to fill out a W-4 if you’re married and both work is different from how to fill out a W-4 if when single. To start, an individual would begin by including their personal information, name, address, social security number, and tax filing status. Tax filing status options include single, married filing separately, married filing jointly, qualifying surviving spouse, or head of household. When filing jointly with a spouse, an individual would list their occupation(s) and their spouse’s, combine the incomes, and claim a dependent, if applicable. 

Specific factors, such as marital status, number of dependents, and other adjustments will determine how much money is withheld.  

What are allowances on a W-4?  

Allowances are deductions that reduce the amount of income an employer withholds from income. The most recent W-4 form doesn’t include allowances.