Have you ever wondered why a seemingly simple form called the W-4 is such a big deal? Well, as you embark on your employment journey with a company, you step into the world of income taxes, and the W-4 plays a pivotal role in this financial journey.
Your W-4 is like the behind-the-scenes wizard that determines how much money your employer withholds from your paycheck to pay federal taxes on your behalf. If you have too much withheld, you end up giving the government an interest-free loan (and getting a tax refund), while having too little withheld can lead to an unexpected tax bill or underpayment penalties. To keep your tax game on point, it’s crucial to update your W-4 regularly.
This becomes particularly important whenever significant personal life changes come your way. The aim is to minimize the potential for a tax bill and ensure your tax refund is close to zero. So, if you rely on a substantial tax refund every year, you should pay extra attention to your withholding. Life events can either increase your tax liability or entitle you to various credits and deductions, making it essential to revisit your W-4 withholding. Here are five common reasons to give your W-4 a second look.
Marriage and Divorce: Your tax situation can change dramatically if you’ve recently tied the knot or gone through a divorce. To ensure your withholding aligns with your new marital status, update your W-4 accordingly. For married couples, this can mean adjusting your withholding to account for your spouse’s income and potential tax credits available to married individuals. Conversely, divorce can also impact your tax status, so ensuring your W-4 reflects these changes accurately is crucial.
Growing Your Family: Welcoming a new member to your family, such as the birth or adoption of a child, can significantly affect your taxes. Numerous tax credits and deductions are available to parents, making it essential to update your W-4 to ensure you benefit from these advantages. Doing so can reduce your tax liability and retain more of your hard-earned money throughout the year.
Changing Jobs or Adding Employment: Whether it’s your spouse getting a job or you taking on a second job, any changes in your household’s income should prompt a review and update of your W-4 forms. When you or your spouse starts a new job, you’ll typically be asked to complete a new W-4. Accurate information is key to avoiding over or under-withholding, which can affect your finances throughout the year if you add a second job or a side gig to your income; review and update your W-4 forms to strike the right balance in your withholding.
Unemployment Part of the Year: Experiencing a period of unemployment can also impact your taxes. If you were unemployed for part of the year, it’s crucial to consider how this affects your overall income. Adjusting your W-4 when you return to work can help ensure that you have the correct withholding to account for any changes in your financial situation due to the period of unemployment.
Taking Action: Updating your W-4 forms is a straightforward process that can substantially impact your financial stability. The IRS provides an online tool called the “Withholding Estimator” to help you determine the right amount to withhold from your paycheck. It considers your income, marital status, number of dependents, and other relevant information. You can also request a new W-4 form from your HR department or download it from the IRS website. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure all information is accurate. If you are uncertain how changes in your financial circumstances will affect your withholding, don’t hesitate to consult an R+R tax advisor. We can offer personalized guidance to ensure your W-4 forms are accurately filled out, and you’re making informed decisions regarding your tax situation.
Reynolds + Rowella is a regional accounting and consulting firm known for a team approach to financial problem solving. As Certified Public Accountants, our partners foster a personal touch with our clients. As members of DFK International/USA, an association of accountants and advisors, our professional network is international, yet many of our clients have known us for years through the local communities we serve. Our mission is to operate as a financial services firm of outstanding quality. Our efforts are directed at serving our clients in the most efficient and responsive manner possible, delivering services that exceed the expectations of those we serve. The firm has offices at 90 Grove St., Ridgefield, Conn., and 51 Locust Ave., New Canaan, Conn. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Bresnan at 203.438.0161 or email.
