W-4 Form Definition

The W-4 form, also known as the Employee’s Withholding Certificate, is an IRS form employees must fill out so employers can determine federal income tax withholding.

W-4 Form Extended Definition

The W-4 form is one part of the new hire paperwork employees must fill out when starting at a business. Employees provide their marital status, Social Security number, and federal income tax withholding information on Form W-4.

Many states also have a state W-4 form that employees must fill out for state income tax withholding.

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Last Updated By

Rachel Blakely-Gray | Apr 18, 2023