If you are starting a new job this year, or just want to update your tax information with your employer, some of the paperwork is going to look different. A lot different.
The IRS has introduced a new Form W-4 that must be used by all employers in 2020 to better accommodate changes to the tax law.
The overhaul of the form is the biggest in decades and makes a once quick exercise a bit more involved. In return, according to the IRS, it will yield more accurate results. That is particularly important as the new tax law led to surprises for some folks last year, due in part to improper withholdings.
So the new form is worth a look. The more accurate your W-4, the more accurate your withholdings.
Withhold too little and you’ll owe money at tax time and possibly face a penalty. Withhold too much and you may be due a refund. Ideally you should break even.
Here’s what you should know:
What’s different
Say goodbye to allowances, the backbone of the old W-4.
Employees used to answer questions to arrive at a number of “allowances.” The allowances were based on personal exemptions — essentially how much income was exempt from tax based on how many people were dependent on the employee. But the new tax law did away with exemptions, so the IRS had to change its approach.
The form now collects information about all the income in an employee’s household, as well as dependents, to calculate how much to withhold.
The details
The form is five steps long.
Steps 1 and 5 are mandatory — fill out your personal information and sign the form. For some people, that will be it. The other steps are optional but can help a taxpayer get more accurate results, says Alice Jacobsohn, senior manager of government relations for the American Payroll Association.
Step 2 asks employees to provide information about all the income in their household if there are multiple jobs. This applies if the employee has more than one job or if both spouses work and file taxes jointly.
Employees can use an online calculator or worksheet to arrive at the correct amount, or they can simply check a box if the pay at both jobs is roughly equal. Payroll company ADP warns of a potential misstep here: if you have two jobs or are in a two-earner household and check this box — do so on the W-4s for both jobs. But only complete steps 3 and 4 on one W-4 to ensure the proper amount is withheld.
Step 3 is for claiming any dependents, which are generally consider those who are under 17 and living with you more than half the year.
And Step 4 is where you can make any adjustments for other income, deductions or optional withholdings. This includes reporting other forms of income such as dividends or withdrawals from retirement accounts.
Who needs it
Not everyone needs to fill out the new form. In general, only new hires are asked to fill out a W-4. But anyone who wants to update their information with their employer will need to use it and experts say many of us should.
Ideally, people update their tax withholding information after major life events, such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a child. Additionally, anyone who was unhappy with their results at tax filing time last year should consider updating their paperwork.
Employees who are happy with the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck do not have to do anything.
Get help
If you are confused, check out the IRS website. It has a useful Q&A on the new form. The IRS Withholding Estimator is particularly helpful, walking employees through the process.
Your HR or payroll department can direct you to helpful info but cannot provide advice. If you need help, consult a tax professional.
