What is the purpose of IRS Form W-4?

The purpose of IRS Form W-4 is to determine Federal Tax Withholding. When an employee starts a new job or needs to adjust their withholding, they complete this form to indicate their tax situation to their employer. Information provided on the W-4, such as marital status and number of allowances, helps the employer calculate the appropriate amount of federal income tax to withhold from the employee’s paycheck.

This withholding is important because it ensures that the right amount of taxes is deducted throughout the year, helping to avoid underpayment or overpayment at tax time. Therefore, by correctly completing the W-4, employees can manage their tax obligations more effectively.