How to Adjust a W-4 Tax Form

IRS Form W-4 can be adjusted to suit your changing circumstances.

Form W-4 is an IRS tax document that informs the government and your employer how much in taxes should be withheld from your paycheck every week. Your dependency status, your family situation and the size of your household all play a role in the Personal Allowances Worksheet portion of the W-4 form. If your family situation changes during the year, for example, and your W-4 form isn't adjusted to reflect it, you may be subject to federal fines.

Things You'll Need

• IRS Form W-4
• IRS Form 1040-X (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Obtain a new IRS Form W-4 for the tax year in question. The forms can be obtained online. Follow the link in the References section to find a W-4.

2. Complete your W-4 form, making the appropriate changes where applicable. For example, if you get married during the year, you'll have to add a '1' to line C. You can also add exemptions for new children.

3. File the newly completed W-4 form with your employer. Once they have that form filed, the appropriate changes should be made to your paycheck withholding.

4. If you need to make an adjustment to a W-4 form for a year that has already been filed, you will need to obtain Form 1040-X, which allows you to file corrections on past tax returns with the IRS. To obtain one, go to the IRS Forms and Publications page (find the link in the References section). Under Download Forms and Publications, select Form and Instruction Number (PDF). Once there, enter the term 1040-X into the Find search field, then push Find. Click on the link for Form 1040-X under the list titled Product Number. Use this form to make any adjustments that were omitted on the tax return in question. This will generally result in the IRS owing you more money, or you owing the IRS additional money. File the form by sending it to the IRS, with a check or money order if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Form 1040-X only allows you to adjust tax returns made in the last year, so don't let necessary adjustments wait for too long.

References

• Bankrate.com: How to Adjust Your Withholding
• IRS.gov: Forms and Publications