What is the W-4 form?

Form W-4 is a form that is filled out by an employee and authorizes an employer to withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from an employee's pay. This form can be downloaded from the IRS website.

According to About tax expert William Perez, the form asks for information about the employee's personal allowances, deductions and exemptions. There is also a section for two-earner families and people with multiple jobs. The IRS supplies additional worksheets for people who receive income other than wages or intend to take itemized deductions. The completed form goes to the employer, which is responsible for calculating the correct amount to withhold.