Homepage / Fill in a Valid Kansas K 4 Template
Jump Links

The Kansas K-4 form plays a vital role in helping employees manage their state income tax withholding, ensuring that the correct amount is deducted from their paychecks. This form, known as the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, not only serves to inform employers about the proper withholding amount but also acknowledges changes in an individual’s tax situation. To effectively utilize the K-4 form, employees must complete the Personal Allowance Worksheet provided, which helps calculate the allowable exemptions based on their unique circumstances, such as filing status and dependent claims. It is essential for employees to keep in mind that if they do not submit a K-4, their employer will withhold taxes at the default rate, which could potentially lead to an unexpected tax burden at the end of the year. Additionally, those who qualify may claim exemption from withholding; however, this status must be verified in accordance with state guidelines. Maintaining an accurate understanding of non-wage income is also crucial, as it may necessitate estimated tax payments to avoid owing taxes upon filing your annual return. Given these complexities, completing the Kansas K-4 form accurately is paramount for effective financial planning and tax management.

Kansas K 4 Example

K-4

KANSAS

500518

 

(Rev. 11-18)

EMPLOYEE’S WITHHOLDING ALLOWANCE CERTIFICATE

Use the following instructions to accurately complete your K-4 form, then detach the lower portion and give it to your employer. For assistance, call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-368-8222.

Purpose of the K-4 form: A completed withholding allowance certificate will let your employer know how much Kansas income tax should be withheld from your pay on income you earn from Kansas sources. Because your tax situation may change, you may want to re-figure your withholding each year.

Exemption from Kansas withholding:

To qualify for exempt status you must verify with the Kansas Department of Revenue that: 1) last year you had the right to a refund of all STATE income tax withheld

because you had no tax liability; and 2) this year you will receive a full refund of all STATE income tax withheld because you will have no tax liability.

Basic Instructions: If you are not exempt, complete the Personal Allowance Worksheet that follows. The total on line F should not exceed the total exemptions you claim under “Exemptions and Dependents” on your Kansas income tax return.

NOTE: Your status of “Single” or “Joint” may differ from your status claimed on your federal Form W-4).

Using the information from your Personal Allowance Worksheet, complete the K-4 form below, sign it and provide it to your employer. If your employer does not receive

a K-4 form from you, they must withhold Kansas income tax from your wages without exemption at the “Single” allowance rate.

Head of household: Generally, you may claim head of household filing status on your tax return only if you are unmarried and pay more than 50% of the cost of keeping up a home for yourself and for your dependent(s).

Non-wage income: If you have a large amount of non-wage Kansas source income, such as interest or dividends, consider making Kansas estimated tax payments on Form K-40ES. Without these payments, you may owe additional Kansas tax when you file your state income tax return.

Personal Allowance Worksheet (Keep for your records)

A Allowance Rate: If you are a single filer mark “Single”

A o Single

If you are married and your spouse has income mark “Single”

o Joint

If you are married and your spouse does not work mark “Joint”

 

BEnter “0” or “1” if you are married or single and no one else can claim you as a dependent (entering “0” may help

you avoid having too little tax withheld)

B _________

CEnter “0” or “1” if you are married and only have one job, and your spouse does not work (entering “0” may help

you avoid having too little tax withheld)

C

_________

D Enter “2” if you will file head of household on your tax return (see conditions under Head of household above)

D

_________

EEnter the number of dependents you will claim on your tax return. Do not claim yourself or your spouse or

dependents that your spouse has already claimed on their form K-4

E

_________

F Add lines B through E and enter the total here

F

_________

Cut here and give the lower portion to your employer. Keep the top portion for your records.

Kansas Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

Whether you are entitled to claim a certain number of allowances or exemption from withholding is subject to review by the Kansas Department of Revenue. Your employer may be required to send a copy of this form to the Department of Revenue.

1

Print your First Name and Middle Initial

 

Last Name

 

2

Social Security Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing address

 

 

3 Allowance Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark the allowance rate selected in Line A above.

 

 

 

 

 

o Single

o Joint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Total number of allowances you are claiming (from Line F above)

...............................................................................

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Enter any additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck (this is optional)

.................................................

 

5

$

6I claim exemption from withholding. (You must meet the conditions explained in the “Exemption from withholding”

instructions above.) If you meet the conditions above, write “Exempt” on this line

6

Note: The Kansas Department of Revenue will receive your federal W-2 forms for all years claimed Exempt.

 

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this certificate and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct, and complete.

SIGN

Date

HERE

7Employer’s Name and Address

8EIN (Employer ID Number)

File Breakdown

Fact Name Fact Description
Form Purpose The K-4 form serves as an Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, informing employers how much Kansas income tax should be withheld from an employee's paycheck.
Exemption Eligibility To qualify for exempt status, individuals must have had a full refund of all Kansas state income tax withheld the previous year and expect to have no tax liability this year.
Filing Status Employees can claim "Single," "Joint," or "Head of Household" status, which may differ from their federal Form W-4 status.
Personal Allowance Worksheet A Personal Allowance Worksheet is included, and employees must complete it to determine their total allowances before filling out the K-4 form.
Employer’s Requirement If an employee does not provide the K-4 form, their employer must withhold taxes at the "Single" allowance rate.
Non-Wage Income Those with significant non-wage Kansas source income should consider making estimated tax payments using Form K-40ES to avoid additional taxes at year-end.
Record Keeping Employees should retain the top portion of the K-4 form for their records after submitting the lower portion to their employer.
Governing Law The K-4 form is governed by Kansas income tax regulations, specifically outlined in Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 79-32,110.

Guide to Using Kansas K 4

Once you have completed the Kansas K-4 form, the next step is to submit it to your employer. This form provides essential information regarding your tax withholding, helping to ensure that the appropriate amount is deducted from your wages. Keep a copy for your records, and remember that you can revise this form whenever your financial situation changes.

  1. Begin by printing your First Name and Middle Initial, followed by your Last Name.
  2. Next, provide your Social Security Number.
  3. Fill in your Mailing Address.
  4. Mark the appropriate Allowance Rate from the options: “Single” or “Joint” as indicated in Line A.
  5. Report the total number of allowances you are claiming, which you calculated in Line F of the Personal Allowance Worksheet.
  6. If you wish, add any additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck. This step is optional.
  7. If you meet the criteria for exemption from withholding, write “Exempt” on the designated line.
  8. Sign and date the form to verify that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
  9. Submit the completed form to your employer and keep the top portion for your records.

Get Answers on Kansas K 4

  1. What is the purpose of the Kansas K-4 form?

    The Kansas K-4 form serves as an Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. By completing it, you inform your employer about how much Kansas income tax to withhold from your paycheck. This ensures proper withholding based on your tax situation, which may change from year to year.

  2. How should I complete the K-4 form if I am not exempt?

    If you are not exempt from withholding, start by filling out the Personal Allowance Worksheet included with the K-4 form. This worksheet helps you determine the number of allowances you can claim. Your total on line F must not exceed the exemptions and dependents you claim on your Kansas income tax return. After calculating your allowances, enter the relevant information in the K-4 form, sign it, and provide it to your employer.

  3. What if I do not submit a K-4 form?

    If you do not provide a completed K-4 form to your employer, they are required to withhold Kansas income tax from your wages at the default “Single” allowance rate. This could mean that more tax is withheld than necessary, depending on your actual tax situation.

  4. Who qualifies for exempt status on the K-4 form?

    To qualify for exempt status, you must confirm with the Kansas Department of Revenue that you had the right to a full refund of all state income tax withheld from the previous year due to no tax liability. Additionally, you must expect to receive a full refund again this year because you will have no tax liability. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully before claiming exemption.

  5. How does filing status affect my K-4 form?

    Your filing status is crucial in determining your tax withholding amount. You must indicate whether you are filing as “Single,” “Joint,” or, under specific conditions, as “Head of Household.” Keep in mind that your filing status for the Kansas K-4 may differ from your federal Form W-4. Accurate reporting of your status helps ensure proper withholding.

  6. What if I have non-wage income?

    If you earn significant non-wage income, such as from investments, consider making estimated tax payments using Form K-40ES. This helps avoid owing additional Kansas taxes when you file your state income tax return, as withholding from wages might not cover your total tax liability.

  7. What should I do if my tax situation changes throughout the year?

    Should your tax situation change, whether because of a new job, a change in dependents, or other financial shifts, it may be necessary to re-evaluate your K-4 form. You can submit an updated form to your employer to ensure that the correct amount of tax is withheld based on your current circumstances.

  8. Can I request additional withholding on my K-4 form?

    Yes, the K-4 form provides an option to request additional withholding. On Line 5, you can specify a dollar amount that you would like to have withheld from each paycheck. This may be beneficial if you anticipate a tax liability and want to manage your payments more proactively.

  9. What happens if I make a mistake on the K-4 form?

    If you realize that you made an error on your K-4, it is essential to correct it as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the mistake, you can fill out another K-4 form with the correct information and submit it to your employer. It is important to keep track of these changes to avoid under- or over-withholding taxes.

  10. How can I contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for assistance?

    If you need help with the K-4 form or have questions regarding your tax situation, you can reach the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-368-8222. They provide resources and assistance for taxpayers to ensure compliance and understanding of tax obligations.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Kansas K-4 form accurately is crucial for ensuring the correct amount of state income tax is withheld from your paycheck. However, many people unintentionally make mistakes that can lead to unpleasant surprises come tax time. One common error is not understanding the exemption criteria. To qualify for exemption from withholding, you must have had a right to a refund of all state income tax last year and expect a full refund this year. Failing to verify or incorrectly claiming this status can lead to under-withholding, resulting in a tax bill.

Another frequent issue occurs with the Personal Allowance Worksheet. It’s essential to fill this out carefully, as the total on line F should not exceed the number of exemptions you plan to claim on your Kansas tax return. Mixing up these numbers can lead to too much or too little tax withholding throughout the year. Remember, entering “0” instead of “1” might seem like a minor detail, but it can significantly affect your withholding.

People sometimes misunderstand their filing status as well. Sometimes the filing status on the K-4 form differs from what is claimed on the federal W-4 form. If you are married, but your spouse does not work, you should select “Joint.” On the other hand, if both you and your spouse work, selecting “Single” can result in over-withholding. Clarity on your marital status is essential to avoid such complications.

In addition, neglecting to consider potential non-wage income can be a mistake. Individuals who have significant non-wage income, such as interest or dividends, should think about making estimated tax payments. Ignoring this step can lead to an unexpected tax burden when filing your Kansas income tax return.

People also often overlook the importance of the signature on the K-4. The form must be signed for it to be valid. A simple omission can lead to your employer not processing the document, resulting in withholding at the highest tax rate. Take the time to double-check your signature before submitting the form.

Another issue arises when individuals forget to notify their employer of changes in their situation. If you get married, have children, or experience significant changes in income, these changes can affect your tax situation. Ensure you keep your employer informed by submitting an updated K-4 promptly.

Moreover, there can be a tendency to neglect to claim valid dependents. When entering the number of dependents on line E, ensure you account only for those you can legally claim on your tax return. Claiming others incorrectly can lead to complications and inaccuracies in tax withholding.

Lastly, people sometimes ignore the optional section for additional amounts to be withheld from each paycheck. Even though it’s not mandatory, if you anticipate owing taxes on other income, you may want to add an extra amount to be withheld to avoid a tax bill later. This small step can make a big difference come tax time.

Documents used along the form

The Kansas K-4 form is essential for employees to communicate their withholding allowances for state income tax. In conjunction with the K-4, several other documents may be required or helpful for comprehensive tax management. Below is a list of ten such forms and documents commonly used alongside the Kansas K-4 form.

  • Kansas K-40 Form: This is the Kansas Individual Income Tax Return. It is used by residents to report their income, calculate tax liability, and claim refunds or credits.
  • Kansas K-40ES Form: The Estimated Tax Payment voucher is utilized for making estimated tax payments for individuals who expect to owe tax in excess of their withholding.
  • Kansas W-2 Form: Employers provide this form to employees. It reports annual wages and taxes withheld, which is crucial for filing state and federal tax returns.
  • Kansas 1099 Form: Used to report various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. Commonly applicable for self-employed individuals or contractors.
  • Kansas K-4N Form: This form is used by non-residents to determine Kansas withholding allowances for taxable income earned in the state.
  • Kansas C-4 Form: This is the Employer's Withholding Tax Registration form. Employers file it to register for Kansas withholding taxes.
  • State Tax Exemption Certificate: Individuals may submit this certificate to claim exemption from state income tax withholding—if applicable—under certain conditions.
  • Federal Form W-4: This form is used to determine the amount of federal income tax to withhold from paychecks and affects state withholding in some cases.
  • Personal Allowance Worksheet: Often included with the K-4, this worksheet helps employees determine the number of withholding allowances they can claim.
  • Kansas Department of Revenue Publication: Informational materials from the Kansas Department of Revenue offer guidance on withholding and filing taxes, ensuring compliance with state law.

These documents play a significant role in streamlining tax compliance and optimizing individual tax situations. Using them accurately helps ensure that the correct amount of tax is withheld and ultimately simplifies the filing process.

Similar forms

The Kansas K-4 form, used for employee withholding allowances, has similarities with several other tax-related documents. Below is a list of eight forms that share characteristics with the K-4:

  • Federal Form W-4: Like the K-4, the W-4 allows employees to declare their tax allowances, influencing how much federal income tax is withheld from their paychecks.
  • State Form W-4: Similar to the K-4, this form serves as a state-level withholding allowance certificate that helps determine state tax withholdings.
  • Form 4868: This form is used to request an extension for filing individual income tax returns. It can indirectly relate to withholding since it can influence how much tax an individual pays over the year.
  • Kansas Form K-40: The K-40 is the Kansas income tax return form. It integrates information from the K-4 to ensure accurate withholding and tax assessments.
  • Kansas K-40ES: This estimated tax payment form is similar in purpose, focusing on individuals who may need to make estimated payments to avoid underpayment penalties.
  • Form 1040: While this is the federal income tax return, it summarizes all income and taxes withheld, relating closely to the allowances claimed on forms like the K-4.
  • Form 1099: Used to report income other than wages, tips, and salaries, this form pertains to tax withholding but focuses on non-wage income sources.
  • State Tax Return Forms: Various states have their versions of income tax return forms that serve the same purpose as the K-4 at their respective levels.

Understanding these forms can clarify purposes and assist in managing tax obligations accordingly.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the Kansas K-4 form accurately is essential to ensure the correct amount of state income tax is withheld from your paycheck. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do when completing this form:

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
  • Do ensure all personal information, like your name and Social Security Number, is accurate.
  • Do use the Personal Allowance Worksheet to help determine your allowances.
  • Do provide the completed form to your employer promptly to avoid automatic higher withholding.
  • Don’t leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms can lead to errors.
  • Don’t claim more allowances than you are eligible for, as it might result in owing taxes later.
  • Don’t forget to sign and date the form, as it is not valid without your signature.
  • Don’t assume your federal W-4 information applies the same way to the K-4 form; they may differ.

Misconceptions

Misunderstandings surrounding the Kansas K-4 form can lead to incorrect tax withholding. Here are seven common misconceptions:

  • Exempt Status is Automatic: Many people believe they automatically qualify for tax exemption. In reality, you must meet specific criteria and verify your status with the Kansas Department of Revenue.
  • Only Single Individuals Need to Complete the K-4: Some think only single filers need to fill out the K-4 form. However, both married and single employees must submit it if they wish to adjust their withholding allowances.
  • Filing Head of Household is Simple: Some individuals claim head of household status without understanding the requirements. You must be unmarried and provide more than half the cost of maintaining a home for yourself and any dependents.
  • All Income is Subject to K-4 Withholding: There is a belief that the K-4 applies to all types of income. In fact, if you have significant non-wage income, such as interest or dividends, you may need to make estimated tax payments separately.
  • One K-4 Form is Enough for Life: Employees often assume they only need to submit the K-4 once. Actual circumstances can change, and it is advisable to re-evaluate and update allowances yearly.
  • Claiming Zero Allowances Will Always Ensure No Tax Due: Some people think that entering zero on their K-4 guarantees they won't owe tax. This approach can lead to too much tax being withheld from paychecks, affecting cash flow.
  • Employers Can Ignore the K-4 Form: There's a misconception that employers can choose whether or not to consider the K-4. In truth, if the employer does not receive a completed K-4, they must withhold at the "Single" allowance rate.

Understanding these misconceptions can help you navigate the tax withholding process more effectively, ensuring that your tax situation reflects your true financial circumstances.

Key takeaways

Understanding the Kansas K-4 form is essential for ensuring accurate tax withholding from your pay. Here are some key takeaways to consider when filling out and using this form:

  • Your employer uses the K-4 form to determine how much Kansas income tax to withhold from your paycheck.
  • Filling out the K-4 form accurately helps avoid overwithholding, which may result in a large refund at tax time.
  • If you do not submit a K-4 form, your employer will withhold taxes at the “Single” allowance rate, which may not reflect your actual tax situation.
  • To qualify for an exemption from withholding, you must demonstrate that you had no tax liability last year and will have none this year.
  • Review the Personal Allowance Worksheet carefully to determine the correct number of allowances and ensure it corresponds to your exemptions on your tax return.
  • If you have significant non-wage income, consider making estimated tax payments to avoid additional tax owed when filing your state income tax return.
  • Keep the upper portion of the K-4 form for your records after submitting the lower portion to your employer.

Stay informed and review your withholding status each year, as personal circumstances can change and may impact your tax liability.