W-4 is one of the most common forms Americans fill out. Here are a few things to remember when completing a W-4.

A W-4 is an IRS form that determines the federal tax that will be withheld from an employee’s paycheck. Filling out a W-4 is one of the first forms an employee will complete when hired. 

When filling out a W-4, make sure the information you write is correct and clear. 

The most important lines for an employee to complete are lines 1-7 of the “Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.”

Always remember to sign your completed W-4.

Always remember to check the appropriate box for filing single or married. 

If you have questions about your withholdings- or want to verify you are withholding the correct amount, you can visit www.irs.gov and use the IRS withholding Calculator. 

If you are exempt from taxes- make sure to write EXEMPT on line 7.

Any incomplete W-4’s will automatically be defaulted to a tax status of single and 0 withholdings, the highest amount of tax will be deducted from your income.

Colorado requires all employers to report all new employees within 20 days of their hire date. StaffScapes sends copies of the employee’s W-4 to the Colorado State Directory of New Hires, so it is important that all W-4’s are completed accurately.