Homepage / Fill in a Valid IRS W-4V Template
Jump Links

The IRS W-4V form plays a crucial role in managing tax withholdings for individuals who receive certain types of payments, such as retirement benefits, unemployment compensation, or Social Security. This form allows recipients to control the amount of federal income tax withheld from their payments. By completing the W-4V, individuals can select from various withholding percentages, which range from 0% to 100%, offering flexibility based on their financial needs and tax obligations. It is essential to note that the W-4V is distinct from the standard W-4 form, which is generally used for employment withholdings. Properly filling out the W-4V ensures that individuals are not overburdened during tax season or at risk of under-withholding, which could lead to penalties. Understanding the key features and requirements of the W-4V can empower tax filers to make informed decisions regarding their withholdings, thus contributing to an overall smoother tax experience.

IRS W-4V Example

Form

W-4V

 

 

Voluntary Withholding Request

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Rev. February 2018)

 

(For unemployment compensation and certain Federal Government and other payments.)

 

Department of the Treasury

 

 

 

 

Go to www.irs.gov/FormW4V for the latest information.

 

 

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions

 

 

 

Note. For withholding on social security benefits, give or send the

Purpose of Form

 

 

 

completed Form W-4V to your local Social Security Administration

 

 

 

office.

 

 

 

 

 

If you receive any government payment shown below, you may use

Line 3. If your address is outside the United States or the U.S.

Form W-4V to ask the payer to withhold federal income tax.

possessions, enter on line 3 the city, province or state, and name of the

• Unemployment compensation (including Railroad Unemployment

country. Follow the country’s practice for entering the postal code.

Don’t abbreviate the country name.

 

 

 

Insurance Act (RUIA) payments).

 

 

 

 

 

Line 4. Enter the claim or identification number you use with your payer.

• Social security benefits.

 

 

 

 

For withholding from social security benefits, the claim number is the

• Social security equivalent Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits.

social security number under which a claim is filed or benefits are paid

• Commodity Credit Corporation loans.

 

(for example, 123-45-6789A or 123-45-6789B6). The letter or

• Certain crop disaster payments under the Agricultural Act of 1949 or

letter/number combination suffix that follows the claim number identifies

the type of benefit (for example, a wage earner, a spouse, or a

under Title II of the Disaster Assistance Act of 1988.

widow(er)). The claim number may or may not be your own social

• Dividends and other distributions from Alaska Native Corporations

security number. If you are unsure about what number to use, contact

to its shareholders.

 

 

 

the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (toll-free). For

Consult your payer if you’re uncertain whether your payment is

other government payments, consult your payer for the correct claim or

eligible for voluntary withholding.

 

identification number format.

 

 

 

You aren’t required to have federal income tax withheld from these

Line 5. If you want federal income tax withheld from your

payments. Your request is voluntary.

 

unemployment compensation, check the box on line 5. The payer will

Note. Payers may develop their own form for you to request federal

withhold 10% from each payment.

 

 

 

Line 6. If you receive any of the payments listed on line 6, check the box

income tax withholding. If a payer gives you its own form instead of

Form W-4V, use that form.

 

 

to indicate the percentage (7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%) you want withheld

Why Should I Request Withholding?

 

from each payment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Line 7. See How Do I Stop Withholding? below.

 

You may find that having federal income tax withheld from the listed

 

Sign this form. Form W-4V is not considered valid unless you sign it.

payments is more convenient than making quarterly estimated tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

payments. However, if you have other income that isn’t subject to

When Will My Withholding Start?

 

 

 

withholding, consider making estimated tax payments. For more details,

Ask your payer exactly when income tax withholding will begin. The

see Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals.

federal income tax withholding you choose on this form will remain in

How Much Can I Have Withheld?

 

 

effect until you change or stop it or the payments stop.

For unemployment compensation, the payer is permitted to withhold

How Do I Change Withholding?

 

 

 

10% from each payment. No other percentage or amount is allowed.

If you are getting a payment other than unemployment compensation

For any other government payment listed above, you may choose to

and want to change your withholding rate, complete a new Form W-4V.

have the payer withhold federal income tax of 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%

Give the new form to the payer.

 

 

 

from each payment, but no other percentage or amount.

How Do I Stop Withholding?

 

 

 

What Do I Need To Do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to stop withholding, complete a new Form W-4V. After

Complete lines 1 through 4; check one box on line 5, 6, or 7; sign Form

completing lines 1 through 4, check the box on line 7, and sign and date

W-4V; and give it to the payer, not to the IRS.

the form; then give the new form to the payer.

 

 

 

 

 

Separate here

 

 

 

 

 

Form

W-4V

 

 

Voluntary Withholding Request

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Rev. February 2018)

(For unemployment compensation and certain Federal Government and other payments.)

 

OMB No. 1545-0074

Department of the Treasury

 

 

 

 

Give this form to your payer. Do not send it to the IRS.

 

 

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

1

Your first name and middle initial

 

Last name

 

 

2 Your social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Home address (number and street or rural route)

City or town

State

ZIP code

4Claim or identification number (if any) you use with your payer

5

I want federal income tax withheld from my unemployment compensation at a rate of 10% of each payment.

6I want federal income tax withheld from (a) my social security benefits, (b) my social security equivalent Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, (c) my Commodity Credit Corporation loans, (d) certain crop disaster payments under the Agricultural Act of 1949 or under Title II of the Disaster Assistance Act of 1988, or (e) dividends and other distributions from Alaska Native Corporations to its shareholders, at the rate of (check one):

7%

10%

12%

22%

7

I want you to stop withholding federal income tax from my payment(s).

Your signature

Date

 

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see page 2.

Cat. No. 22891V

Form W-4V (Rev. 2-2018)

Form W-4V (Rev. 2-2018)

Page 2

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice

We ask for the information on Form W-4V to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United States. You are required to provide this information only if you wish to have federal income tax withheld from certain payments for which withholding is not required by law. If you choose to request voluntary withholding of federal income tax, you’re required by Internal Revenue Code sections 3402(p) and 6109 and their regulations to provide the information requested on this form. If you don't provide a completed form that is signed, the payer can’t withhold federal income tax from your payment. Providing false or fraudulent information may subject you to penalties.

Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation, and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their tax laws. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal non-tax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

You aren’t required to provide the information requested on a form

that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by Code section 6103.

The average time and expenses required to complete and file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. For estimated averages, see the instructions for your income tax return.

If you have suggestions for making this form simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. See the instructions for your income tax return.

File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The W-4V form allows individuals to request voluntary federal income tax withholding from certain types of payments.
Who Uses It This form is generally used by recipients of unemployment compensation, pensions, and annuities who want to have taxes withheld.
Submission After completing the form, it should be submitted to the payer, not directly to the IRS.
Withholding Amounts You can choose to have a specific percentage withheld from your payments or a flat amount, depending on your preference.
State Forms Some states have similar forms for withholding requests; check your state's tax agency for specific requirements.
Amending the Form You can amend your W-4V at any time if you want to change your withholding preferences.
Expiration The form does not expire, but it is good practice to review and update it regularly, especially if your financial situation changes.
Where to Access The form can be downloaded from the IRS website or obtained from your tax professional.

Guide to Using IRS W-4V

When you prepare to fill out the IRS W-4V form, you'll be taking the first step toward managing your tax withholding preferences effectively. This form will guide your payer on how much to withhold from your payments based on your personal situation.

  1. Obtain the Form: Start by downloading the IRS W-4V form from the IRS website or acquiring a hard copy from your financial institution or employer.
  2. Provide Personal Information: Fill in your name, address, and Social Security number in the designated fields at the top of the form.
  3. Select Withholding Amount: In section 2, check the box that corresponds to how much you want withheld—10%, 12%, or a different percentage if allowed.
  4. Indicate Income Type: Specify the type of income you receive that the withholding will apply to. This could include pensions, annuities, or other payment types.
  5. Review Your Information: Take a moment to ensure all the information you entered is correct. Accuracy is crucial for the form to be processed without delays.
  6. Sign and Date the Form: Your signature confirms that the information is truthful and correct. Don’t forget to date the form as well.
  7. Submit the Form: Hand it over to the entity that will be making the payments to you, such as your employer or financial institution.

After submitting the W-4V form, keep a copy for your records. You may want to check in with your payer to confirm they received the form and understand your withholding preferences.

Get Answers on IRS W-4V

What is the IRS W-4V form?

The IRS W-4V form, also known as the “Voluntary Withholding Request,” allows individuals to request that federal income tax be withheld from certain types of government payments. This includes payments like unemployment compensation, social security benefits, or other pension payments. By submitting this form, you can ensure that you have taxes withheld at the rate appropriate for your financial situation.

Who should consider using the W-4V form?

If you receive government benefits and want to avoid a tax bill when you file your tax return, you might consider using the W-4V form. It is especially relevant for:

  • Individuals who receive unemployment benefits
  • Social Security recipients concerned about tax liabilities
  • Pension recipients who want to manage their tax withholding

How do you fill out the W-4V form?

Filling out the W-4V is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Provide your name, address, and Social Security number at the top of the form.
  2. Select the type of payment you wish to have withheld from by checking the appropriate box.
  3. Choose the percentage of your payment you want withheld. You can select 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%.
  4. Sign and date the form at the bottom.

Ensure you keep a copy for your records, and submit the original to the payer of your benefits.

When should you submit the W-4V form?

It's best to submit the W-4V form as soon as you begin receiving government benefits. However, you can submit it at any time. If you are facing changes in your financial situation or have tax withholding concerns, it's wise to submit a new form promptly. This helps to prevent any surprises when it’s time to file your annual tax return.

Can I change my withholding amounts after submitting the W-4V?

Yes, you can change your withholding amounts by submitting a new W-4V form. If you find that your financial situation has changed—perhaps you have a new job or different sources of income—you should update your withholding election to better reflect your current circumstances. Just remember to submit the new form to the appropriate government agency or organization paying your benefits.

Common mistakes

When filling out the IRS W-4V form, one common mistake people make is not providing accurate personal information. It may seem simple, but entering the wrong name or Social Security number can lead to significant delays in processing. Always double-check your personal details to ensure they match with IRS records. The accuracy of this information is crucial.

Another frequent error is miscalculating the amount to withhold. Many individuals may not fully understand how much to request. Consulting with a tax professional or using an online calculator can help ensure that you’re choosing the correct withholding amount. Underestimating could leave you with a tax bill, while overestimating may delay your refund.

People often overlook signing and dating the form. It might feel like a small detail, but most submissions without a signature will be rejected by the IRS. Take a moment to ensure that you have both signed and dated the form before you submit it. This small step is essential to avoid unnecessary complications.

Finally, some may fail to send the W-4V form to the correct agency. It’s important to deliver the form to the right place, as each agency or payer has specific requirements. Check the instructions for where the completed form should go. This ensures your form is received and processed in a timely manner.

Documents used along the form

The IRS W-4V form is essential for individuals wishing to request voluntary federal income tax withholding from specific payments. When using this form, there are several other documents and forms that are often necessary to manage withholding and tax responsibilities effectively. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose.

  • IRS Form W-2: This form summarizes an employee's annual earnings and the amount of taxes withheld. Employers provide it to employees at the end of each year.
  • IRS Form 1099: Used to report various types of income other than wages. This includes freelance work or interest income. Recipients often receive this form instead of a W-2.
  • IRS Form 1040: This is the standard individual tax return form. Taxpayers use it to report income and calculate their federal tax liability.
  • IRS Form W-4: This form is used by employees to specify their tax withholding preferences. It helps employers know how much tax to withhold from each paycheck.
  • IRS Form 8862: If someone previously claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit but was disallowed, this form helps them request a refund for future claims.
  • IRS Form 4868: This form requests an extension for filing your tax return. It allows additional time if needed without incurring late penalties.
  • IRS Form 1040-ES: This form is used for the quarterly estimated tax payments that self-employed individuals or those with other forms of income may need to make.

Understanding these forms is crucial for ensuring compliance with tax laws and securing withheld amounts accurately. Each document plays a role in the overall tax process, helping individuals manage their financial responsibilities effectively.

Similar forms

  • W-4 Form: The W-4 form, much like the W-4V, allows employees to specify their tax withholding preferences. While W-4 is for employment-related withholding, W-4V focuses on payments other than wages, such as pensions or gambling winnings.
  • W-4P Form: Similar to the W-4V, the W-4P form specifically caters to pension and annuity payments. It allows recipients to direct how much federal income tax should be withheld from these payments.
  • W-2 Form: The W-2 form reports an employee’s annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck. While not a form for withholding preferences like the W-4V, it reflects the results of the choices made with such forms.
  • Form 1099: The 1099 series reports various types of income not subjected to withholding. While the W-4V affects how much is withheld, the 1099 shows what was actually paid out, making them related but distinct for tax reporting.
  • Form 1040: The 1040 form is used for filing individual income tax returns. It incorporates information related to withholdings from various sources, including those influenced by the W-4V, allowing taxpayers to balance their tax obligations at year-end.
  • Form 4852: This form is a substitute for missing W-2 or 1099 forms. Although it is used for filing taxes rather than specifying withholdings, it serves a similar purpose of ensuring that income from various sources can be correctly reported to the IRS.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS W-4V form, attention to detail is essential. Here are some key points to consider:

Things You Should Do:

  • Read the instructions thoroughly to understand the purpose of the form.
  • Use accurate personal information, including your name and Social Security Number.
  • Clearly specify the type of payment for which you want federal income tax withheld.
  • Check the appropriate box for your withholding choice, ensuring it aligns with your financial situation.
  • Sign and date the form to validate your request.
  • Submit the form directly to the payer, not to the IRS.
  • Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

  • Don’t leave any sections blank; this can delay processing.
  • Never use outdated forms, as they may not be accepted.
  • Avoid providing incorrect or mismatched information to prevent issues.
  • Do not submit the form if you do not intend to have federal tax withheld.
  • Refrain from making changes to your withholding without a clear understanding of the implications.
  • Don’t ignore any follow-up communications from your payer regarding the form.
  • Never forget to check for any updates to the form in subsequent years.

Misconceptions

The IRS W-4V form, used for voluntary withholding, often leads to misunderstanding. Many people have questions about what it is and how it works. Here are five common misconceptions about the W-4V form:

  • It's only for those receiving unemployment benefits. This form can be used by anyone who wants to request additional withholding from certain payments, not just unemployment. This includes social security benefits and pensions.
  • Using the W-4V guarantees more tax refunds. While additional withholding can lead to lower tax bills and potentially larger refunds, it does not guarantee it. Other factors, such as total income and deductions, play a significant role in tax outcomes.
  • Once I submit a W-4V, it can't be changed. This is false. The W-4V can be modified or revoked at any time, allowing for adjustments in withholding based on your financial situation. Flexibility is an essential aspect of this form.
  • The W-4V affects my actual tax rate. The form influences withholding but doesn’t change your overall tax rate. The amount withheld may impact your return but does not alter the percentage the IRS applies to your taxable income.
  • Only employees can file a W-4V. In reality, it’s accessible for various individuals, including beneficiaries of social security, pensions, and other types of government payments. It’s designed to assist anyone in managing their tax withholding more effectively.

Understanding these misconceptions can empower individuals to make better financial decisions regarding their tax withholdings. It's essential to stay informed and take control of your tax situation.

Key takeaways

Filling out the IRS W-4V form can be an important step in managing your tax withholding, especially when it comes to specific types of income. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • The W-4V form is used to request voluntary withholding from certain federal payments, such as Social Security benefits and unemployment compensation.
  • It allows individuals to determine the percentage of their payments that they wish to have withheld for federal income taxes, helping to prevent a large tax bill during tax season.
  • Filing the W-4V can be beneficial for individuals who receive benefits that are not subject to tax withholding automatically.
  • Users must select the withholding amount they wish to have deducted, choosing from 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%. Each percentage impacts the overall tax liability.
  • It's essential to submit the completed form to the relevant payment agency, as each agency requires its copy for processing your withholding requests.
  • To ensure your tax situation remains aligned, reviewing and possibly updating the form periodically is advisable, particularly if your financial circumstances change.