Giving tax advice isn’t illegal. If you work in HR, you’re likely trained on tax basics, like how to fill out a W4 and how to approach common deductions like charity donations. So offering general guidance to your employees is totally fine.

How do I fill out a W-4 for exempt?

To claim exempt, write EXEMPT under line 4c. You may claim EXEMPT from withholding if: o Last year you had a right to a full refund of All federal tax income and o This year you expect a full refund of ALL federal income tax. NOTE: if you claim EXEMPT you must complete a new W-4 annually in February.

Is W4 form mandatory?

A1: Employers are no longer required to routinely submit Forms W-4 to the IRS. However, in certain circumstances, the IRS may direct you to submit copies of Forms W-4 for certain employees in order to ensure that the employees have adequate withholding.

Where can I get help with Form W-4?

If you need more information on Form W-4, search the IRS website. It has many resources, including withholding information for employees and a withholding calculator to help employees determine their withholding. Once employees fill out Form W-4, you will have to withhold federal income tax from most employees.

When do I need to update my W4 form?

The form makes sure your employer can withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from your pay. If you are happy with your withholding and you already submitted a W4 to your employer during a previous year, you do NOT need to update the form. Only do so, if your tax situation has changed.

Can You claim an exemption on a W-4 Form?

If you need to claim an exemption from withholding, you can still do that on the new W-4 form. You are exempt from withholding if you owed no federal tax the prior year and you expect to owe no federal tax for the current year.

What happens if you don’t fill out W-4 Form?

If you and your spouse each allow for child-related tax credits on your W-4, it will likely result in not enough withholding, and having to pay an additional amount to the IRS at end of the year. Step 3 of the new W-4 form will ask you how many qualifying children you have under age 17, and how many other dependents you have.