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The Indiana WH-4 form, known as the Employee's Withholding Exemption and County Status Certificate, plays a critical role for both employers and employees within the state of Indiana. This document, crucial for accurately determining the amount of state and county income tax withheld from an employee's paycheck, requires detailed personal and financial information. Employees must provide their full name, Social Security Number or ITIN, home address, and the counties of residence and principal employment as of January 1. The form is designed to account for various exemptions that an individual can claim to adjust their withholding. These exemptions include personal and spouse exemptions, dependents, and additional allowances for those 65 or older or blind. Furthermore, the form allows for specification of any additional state or county withholding beyond standard amounts, giving employees control over their tax liabilities throughout the year. The WH-4 form, which must be kept current and updated with the employer for any changes in exemption status or personal circumstances, underscores the shared responsibility between employees and employers in adhering to state tax laws. It’s a vital piece of document ensuring that employees are neither over nor under-withheld for their state and county taxes.

Sample - Indiana Wh 4 Form

Form WH-4

State Form 48845 (R10 / 8-23)

State of Indiana

Employee’s Withholding Exemption and County Status Certificate

This form is for the employer’s records. Do not send this form to the Department of Revenue.

The completed form should be returned to your employer.

Full Name_ _______________________________________________________ Social Security Number or ITIN___________________________

Home Address_________________________________ City_______________________ State_______

ZIP Code_______________________

 

Indiana County of Residence as of January 1:_________________________________________

(See instructions)

 

 

 

 

Indiana County of Principal Employment as of January 1:________________________________

(See instructions)

 

 

 

 

Check this box if the changes to the counties are effective for the next calendar year. (See instructions)

 

 

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

How to Claim Your Withholding Exemptions

 

 

 

 

1.

You are entitled to one exemption. If you wish to claim the exemption, enter “1”

___________

 

 

Nonresident aliens must skip lines 2 through 8. See instructions

 

 

 

 

2.

If you are married and your spouse does not claim his/her exemption, you may claim it, enter “1”

___________

 

3.

You are allowed one (1) exemption for each dependent. Enter number claimed

___________

 

4.

Additional exemptions are allowed if: (a) you and/or your spouse are over the age of 65 and/or

 

 

 

 

 

(b) if you and/or your spouse are legally blind.

 

 

 

 

 

Check box(es) for additional exemptions: You are 65 or older or blind Spouse is 65 or older or blind

 

 

 

 

Enter the total number of boxes checked

___________

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Add lines 1, 2, 3, and 4. Enter the total here

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

You are entitled to claim an additional exemption for each qualifying dependent (see instructions)

 

 

7.

You are entitled to claim an additional exemption for each qualifying dependent claimed for the first time (see instructions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

.................................You are entitled to claim an additional exemption for each adopted qualifying dependent (see instructions)

 

 

9.

Enter the amount of additional state withholding (if any) you want withheld each pay period

$__________

 

10.

Enter the amount of additional county withholding (if any) you want withheld each pay period

$__________

 

 

I hereby declare that to the best of my knowledge the above statements are true.

 

 

 

 

Signature:_ ______________________________________________________________________

Date:___________________________

Instructions for Completing Form WH-4

This form should be completed by all resident and nonresident employees having income subject to Indiana state and/or county income tax.

Print or type your full name, Social Security number or ITIN and home address. Enter your Indiana county of residence and county of principal employment as of January 1 of the current year. If you neither lived nor worked in Indiana on January 1 of the current year, enter ‘not applicable’ on the line(s). If you move to (or work in) another county after January 1, your county status will not change until the next calendar year. Please check the box if you are requesting a change to a county of residence or work for the next calendar year.

Nonresident alien limitation. A nonresident alien is allowed to claim only one exemption for withholding tax purposes. If you are a nonresident alien, enter “1” on line 1, then skip to line 9. You are considered to be a nonresident alien if you are not a citizen of the United States and do not meet the green card test and the substantial presence test (get Publication 519 from www.irs.gov for information about these tests).

All other employees should complete lines 1 through 8.

Lines 1 & 2 - You are allowed to claim one exemption for yourself and one for your spouse (if he/she does not claim the exemption for him/herself). If a parent or legal guardian claims you on their federal tax return, you may still claim an exemption for yourself for Indiana purposes. You cannot claim more than the correct number of exemptions; however, you are permitted to claim a lesser number of exemptions if you wish additional withholding to be deducted.

Line 3 - Dependent Exemptions: You are allowed one exemption for each of your dependents based on state guidelines. To qualify as your dependent, a person must receive more than one-half of his/her support from you for the tax year and must have less than $4,400 gross income during the tax year (unless the person is your child and either (1) is under age 19 or (2) is under age 24 and a full-time student at a qualified educational institution during at least 5 months of the tax year).

Line 4 - Additional Exemptions. You are also allowed one exemption each for you and/or your spouse if either is 65 or older and/or blind. Line 5 - Add the total of exemptions claimed on lines 1, 2, 3, and 4. Enter the total in the box provided.

Line 6 - Additional Dependent Exemptions. An additional exemption is allowed for certain dependent children that are included on line 3. The dependent child must be a son, stepson, daughter, stepdaughter, foster child, and/or child for whom you are a legal guardian. The dependent must be under age 19 or must be both under age 24 and a full-time student at a qualified educational institution during at least 5 months of the taxable year.

Line 7 - First-time Claimed Additional Exemption. If an additional dependent exemption on Line 6 is being claimed for one or more children for the first time, enter the number of children for whom you are claiming. This exemption is good only for the calendar year in which the WH-4 claiming the exemption is submitted. If you claim this in multiple tax years, you MUST submit a new WH-4 each year for which this exemption is claimed. Do not claim this exemption if the child was eligible for the additional dependent exemption in any previous year, regardless of whether the exemption was claimed. This includes instances where the child was eligible for the additional dependent exemption before 2023. This also includes instances where the child was eligible to be claimed for the additional dependent exemption by another individual.

Line 8 - Additional Adopted Dependent Exemptions. An additional exemption is allowed for certain dependent children that are included on lines 3 and 6 and have been adopted by you or your spouse. The dependent child must be a son, stepson, daughter, or stepdaughter. The dependent must be under age 19 or must be both under age 24 and a full- time student at a qualified educational institution during at least 5 months of the taxable year.

Lines 9 & 10 - If you would like an additional amount to be withheld from your wages each pay period, enter the amount on the line provided. NOTE: An entry on this line does not obligate your employer to withhold the amount. You are still liable for any additional taxes due at the end of the tax year. If the employer does withhold the additional amount, it should be submitted along with the regular state and county tax withholding.

You may file a new Form WH-4 at any time if the number of exemptions increases. You must file a new Form WH-4 within 10 days if the number of exemptions previously claimed by you decreases for any of the following reasons:

(a)you divorce (or are legally separated from) your spouse for whom you have been claiming an exemption or your spouse claims him/herself on a separate Form WH-4;

(b)someone else takes over the support of a dependent you claim or you no longer provide more than one-half of the person’s support for the tax year; or

(c)a dependent no longer qualifies for an additional dependent or an adopted dependent exemption.

Penalties are imposed for willingly supplying false information or information which would reduce the withholding exemption.

Form Overview

Fact Detail
Purpose of Form WH-4 This form is used by employees to declare their withholding exemptions and county status for Indiana state and county income tax purposes. It should be returned to the employer and not sent to the Department of Revenue.
Who Needs to Complete It All resident and nonresident employees who earn income in Indiana that is subject to state and/or county income tax are required to complete this form.
Withholding Exemptions Employees can claim exemptions for themselves, a spouse, dependents, and additional exemptions if they or their spouse are 65 or older and/or legally blind.
Updating the Form Employees must file a new WH-4 form within 10 days if their number of exemptions decreases due to events such as divorce or a dependent no longer qualifying. Attempts to reduce withholding exemptions falsely may result in penalties.

Guide to Filling Out Indiana Wh 4

Completing the Indiana WH-4 form is essential for accurately determining the amount of state and county taxes withheld from your paycheck. This process allows both residents and nonresidents working in Indiana to ensure their employer deducts the correct tax amount based on their personal and dependency status. The steps outlined below guide you through filling out this form, clearly explaining where and what information needs to be provided, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your tax withholdings.

  1. Start by printing or typing your full name in the space provided.
  2. Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) next to your full name.
  3. Provide your home address, including city, state, and zip code in the corresponding fields.
  4. Fill in your Indiana county of residence as of January 1 of the current year. If this does not apply, write ‘not applicable’.
  5. If applicable, enter the Indiana county of your principal employment as of January 1. If not applicable, note it as such.
  6. Nonresident aliens should enter “1” for their exemption claim in the designated space and then skip to line 7, bypassing lines 2 through 6.
  7. If you are claiming an exemption for yourself, enter “1” in the space provided on line 1.
  8. If you are married and your spouse is not claiming their exemption, you may claim it by entering “1” in the space on line 2.
  9. For dependent exemptions, enter the total number of dependents you are claiming on line 3.
  10. If you or your spouse are 65 or older and/or blind, mark the appropriate boxes on line 4 and enter the total number of these additional exemptions in the space provided.
  11. Add up the exemptions from lines 1, 2, 3, and 4, writing the total amount of exemptions you are claiming in the designated box on line 5.
  12. For any additional dependent exemptions that qualify, enter the total number on line 6.
  13. If you wish to have an additional state withholding amount deducted each pay period, specify the amount in dollars on line 7.
  14. Similarly, if you desire an additional county withholding amount, enter this figure in dollars on line 8.
  15. Review the form for accuracy. Once confirmed, sign and date the form at the bottom, thereby declaring the information provided is true to the best of your knowledge.

After you have completed the Indiana WH-4 form, remember this document must be submitted to your employer, and not the Department of Revenue. It's your responsibility to update this form if your exemption status changes at any point. This ensures that your state and county tax withholdings remain accurate throughout each tax year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Indiana WH-4 form?

The Indiana WH-4 form is used to determine the amount of state and county income taxes to be withheld from an employee's paycheck. Employees fill out this form so their employer can withhold the correct amount of taxes, reflecting their personal exemption status, and ensuring that both state and county tax obligations are met.

Who needs to complete the Indiana WH-4 form?

All employees in Indiana, whether residents or nonresidents, who receive income that is subject to Indiana state and/or county income tax must complete the form. This includes individuals who live and/or work in Indiana as of January 1 of the current tax year.

Can I claim exemptions for myself and my spouse on the WH-4 form?

Yes, you can claim one exemption for yourself and an additional exemption for your spouse, if they are not claiming their exemption on a separate WH-4 form. This applies even if a parent or legal guardian claims you as a dependent on their federal tax return. You can still claim an exemption for Indiana tax purposes.

How do I claim exemptions for dependents on the Indiana WH-4 form?

You are allowed to claim one exemption for each of your dependents. A qualifying dependent must receive more than half of their financial support from you during the tax year and must not have a gross income exceeding $4,150, unless they are your child under 19 years of age (or under 24 if a full-time student).

What if I or my spouse are 65 or older, or blind?

If you or your spouse are 65 years of age or older, or if either of you is legally blind, you can claim an additional exemption for these conditions on the WH-4 form. Just make sure to check the appropriate boxes and add them to your total exemption count.

Can I change my withholdings later?

Yes, you can file a new WH-4 form at any time if your exemption status changes, such as having more dependents or no longer being able to claim a previously-claimed exemption due to changes in familial or financial circumstances. You are required to submit a new WH-4 within 10 days if your exemptions decrease.

What should nonresident aliens do differently on this form?

Nonresident aliens are limited to claiming only one exemption for withholding tax purposes. They should enter "1" on line 1 and then proceed directly to line 7, skipping the other exemption claims. This is due to specific federal regulations concerning their income tax treatment.

What happens if I supply false information on the WH-4 form?

Supplying false information or intentionally reducing the number of claimed exemptions to reduce tax withholding is subject to penalties. It is important to accurately report your exemption status to avoid potential fines and legal issues.

Do I send the completed WH-4 form to the Indiana Department of Revenue?

No, the completed WH-4 form should be given to your employer for their records. It is not sent to the Indiana Department of Revenue. Your employer will use the information you provide to withhold the appropriate amount of state and county taxes from your paycheck.

What if I have additional amounts I want withheld from my paycheck?

If you wish to have additional taxes withheld beyond the calculated amount based on your exemptions, you can indicate this on lines 7 and 8 for state and county taxes, respectively. However, entering an amount on these lines does not obligate your employer to withhold that additional amount, though it generally will be considered in your withholding.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Indiana WH-4 form, which is essential for ensuring the correct amount of state and county taxes are withheld from one's paycheck, can sometimes be tricky. Mistakes on this form may lead to unexpected tax liabilities or over-withheld taxes. When submitting the WH-4, several common errors are made, impacting financial and compliance outcomes.

  1. One of the most prevalent blunders is incorrect Social Security numbers or ITIN entries. Such errors can lead to a mismatch in tax records, causing delays or discrepancies in tax filings.
  2. Another frequent mistake is failing to accurately report the Indiana county of residence and county of principal employment. This is crucial for determining the appropriate local taxes that should be withheld.
  3. Some fill out the form without properly considering the number of exemptions they are eligible for, either claiming too many or too few. This mistake can significantly affect the size of your tax return or the amount owed.
  4. Overlooking the additional exemptions for age or blindness for oneself or a spouse is also common. These exemptions can reduce taxable income, but they are often missed.
  5. Error often occurs when individuals do not claim the correct number of dependent exemptions. Dependents must meet specific criteria, and failing to understand these can lead to incorrect exemptions claimed.
  6. Some employees mistakenly leave the additional withholding lines blank when they intend to have extra taxes withheld from their pay. This oversight could result in an unexpected tax bill at the end of the year.
  7. Nonresident aliens sometimes fail to follow the special instructions provided for them, leading to incorrect withholdings.
  8. Lastly, a significant error is not updating the WH-4 form when personal or financial circumstances change, such as after a marriage, divorce, or when there's an addition or reduction in dependents. Failing to do so may result in inaccurate withholdings and potential penalties.

Avoiding these mistakes requires careful reading of the instructions and understanding one's financial situation. Incorrect or incomplete forms not only impact one's tax situation but also can lead to penalties from the Indiana Department of Revenue. It is advised to review the WH-4 form annually or after any major life events to ensure all the information remains accurate.

Moreover, employees are encouraged to consult with a tax professional if they have questions about how to properly complete the form or if they experience changes in their financial circumstances. An accurate WH-4 form ensures that the right amount of tax is withheld, avoiding surprises during tax season and helping maintain financial stability throughout the year.

Documents used along the form

When preparing to manage tax responsibilities in Indiana, individuals often encounter the Form WH-4, which is essential for determining the amount of state and county income tax to withhold from an employee's wages. Alongside the WH-4, there are several other important forms and documents that may be required for comprehensive tax filing and employment processes. This information is useful for both employees and employers navigating the complexities of tax documentation.

  • W-4 Form: Used for federal income tax withholding determination. This form helps employers understand how much federal income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck based on their marital status, number of allowances, and any additional amount the employee wants to withhold.
  • I-9 Form: Employment Eligibility Verification form required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to verify the legal ability of an employee to work in the United States. This form requires documentation that establishes the employee's identity and work eligibility.
  • Indiana State Form CT-40: A county tax schedule for Indiana residents who have earned income from sources outside their county of residence. It is used in conjunction with the state tax return.
  • IT-40 Form: Indiana's full-year resident individual income tax return form utilized to report and calculate Indiana state income tax.
  • IT-40PNR Form: A tax form for part-year residents or full-year nonresidents of Indiana to file their state income taxes, covering income earned while a resident or from Indiana sources while a nonresident.
  • 1099 Forms: A series of documents filed by an employer to report income from non-employment-related sources, such as independent contracting work, interest, dividends, and other types of earnings.
  • W-2 Form: Wage and Tax Statement provided by employers to employees and the IRS, detailing total annual wages earned and taxes withheld from those earnings.
  • Indiana New Hire Reporting Form: Used by employers to report new or rehired employees to the Indiana New Hire Reporting Center, as mandated by state and federal law to assist in child support enforcement.
  • Schedule IN-DEP: A supplemental form for the IT-40 and IT-40PNR tax forms, detailing information about dependents for whom exemptions are claimed.
  • Direct Deposit Authorization Forms: Documents provided by employers to allow employees the option of having their paychecks directly deposited into their bank accounts, requiring the employee's bank information to set up.

Understanding and properly managing these forms is crucial for compliance with tax regulations and ensuring employees are correctly documented and taxed according to state and federal laws. Employees benefit from understanding these documents to ensure their withholdings are accurate and to avoid potential issues with tax liabilities. These documents collectively contribute to a systematic and compliant tax filing process for both employers and individuals in Indiana.

Similar forms

The Indiana WH-4 form is similar to the W-4 form used by the federal government for tax withholding purposes. Both forms serve the primary function of informing employers about the amount of tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. They achieve this through a series of questions that guide employees in declaring their filing status, number of dependents, and any additional amount they wish to have withheld. The key difference lies in their scope of application; the Indiana WH-4 pertains to state and county tax withholdings specific to Indiana, while the W-4 form is used for determining federal income tax withholdings. This design ensures that employees can tailor their withholdings based on both their federal and state tax liabilities, allowing for a more customized approach to tax planning.

Similarly, the Indiana WH-4 form also holds resemblances to the IT-2104 form used by the state of New York for state income tax withholding purposes. Like the Indiana WH-4, New York’s IT-2104 allows employees to indicate their personal allowance and additional withholding preferences, considering their specific state tax obligations. Both forms include sections for personal information, exemption claims for individuals and dependents, and options for additional withholding per pay period. The primary purpose of these forms is to aid employees in avoiding underpayment or overpayment of state taxes through accurate withholding. Despite serving the same fundamental function, each form is tailored to the exemptions, allowances, and tax structures specific to its respective state, highlighting the importance of state-specific forms in the accurate collection and withholding of state income taxes.

Dos and Don'ts

When it comes to filling out the Indiana WH-4 form, it's crucial to pay close attention to detail to ensure accurate completion. Let's dive into what you should and shouldn't do to streamline this process effectively.

Things You Should Do:

  • Double-check your personal information: Ensure your full name, Social Security Number or ITIN, and home address are accurate and clearly legible. Mistakes in this section can lead to processing delays or issues with your tax withholding.
  • Correctly identify your county of residence and employment: This information determines your state and county tax liabilities. If you’re unsure about the correct county, reference official state resources or ask your employer.
  • Accurately claim exemptions: Review the qualifications for personal and dependent exemptions carefully. Only claim exemptions you’re entitled to, based on your circumstances, to avoid underwithholding or owing taxes at year-end.
  • Sign and date the form: Your signature and the date are essential for validating the form. An unsigned form is considered incomplete and will not be processed.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

  • Overlook the instructions for nonresident aliens: If you’re a nonresident alien, you have specific instructions for claiming exemptions. Skipping these could lead to incorrectly filled forms, impacting your withholdings.
  • Guess your exemptions: Don’t estimate or guess when it comes to exemptions. Use the guidelines provided in the instructions to determine the correct number of exemptions you’re eligible for.
  • Leave sections blank: If a section doesn’t apply to you, indicate this appropriately (e.g., enter “N/A” for not applicable). Blank sections can cause confusion or delays in processing.
  • Delay updating your form after life changes: If you experience significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or a change in dependents, update your WH-4 form promptly. Waiting too long can lead to inaccurate withholdings and potential penalties.

By following these dos and don'ts, you’ll be better positioned to fill out your Indiana WH-4 form accurately and efficiently, ensuring your tax withholdings are properly calculated for the year.

Misconceptions

The Indiana WH-4 form, an Employee’s Withholding Exemption and County Status Certificate, often evokes a range of misunderstandings among taxpayers. Delving into the nuances of this form helps clarify its purpose and use, ensuring employees accurately fulfill their state tax obligations.

  • Misconception 1: The form must be filed with the Indiana Department of Revenue. Contrary to this belief, the Indiana WH-4 form should not be sent to the Department of Revenue. Instead, it is intended for the employer's records to determine the correct amount of state and county income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck.

  • Misconception 2: Nonresident aliens are excluded from filing the form. While it's true that nonresident aliens have specific instructions, indicating they can claim only one exemption on line 1 and must skip to line 7, they are still required to complete and submit the form to their employer. This ensures that the proper Indiana state and county taxes are withheld.

  • Misconception 3: You can claim an unlimited number of exemptions. The form limits the number of exemptions an employee can claim. It includes provisions for personal exemptions, dependent exemptions, and exemptions for age or blindness for the taxpayer and spouse. Claiming more exemptions than entitled is incorrect and could lead to penalties.

  • Misconception 4: The form is only for Indiana residents. While primarily designed for residents, the form must also be completed by nonresidents who have income subject to Indiana state and/or county taxes. This ensures that their taxation is appropriately handled according to Indiana law.

  • Misconception 5: Once submitted, the WH-4 form cannot be changed. Employees can and should submit a new WH-4 form to their employer whenever their exemption status changes, such as through marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. This ensures that withholding is always accurate according to the employee's current situation.

  • Misconception 6: The form affects federal tax withholding. The WH-4 form is specific to Indiana state and county tax withholdings and does not impact the amount of federal tax withheld from an employee’s paycheck. For changes to federal withholdings, a different form, the Federal Form W-4, must be completed.

  • Misconception 7: Employees decide the additional withholding amount on lines 7 and 8, and employers must comply. While employees can request additional withholding amounts for state and county taxes, it does not obligate the employer to withhold these additional amounts. However, these lines allow employees to adjust their withholdings to better suit their tax situation, potentially avoiding a tax bill at the end of the year.

Understanding the purpose and components of the Indiana WH-4 form is crucial for both employers and employees. It ensures accurate withholding, which can mitigate the risk of unexpected tax liabilities for the employee while keeping employers compliant with Indiana tax laws.

Key takeaways

The process of completing and utilizing the Indiana WH-4 form, an essential document for employee tax withholding in the state of Indiana, requires attention to detail to ensure accurate tax withholdings from an employee's paycheck. Several key takeaways should be noted for both employees and employers managing this document.

  • Personal and Exemption Information: The Indiana WH-4 form captures personal information such as full name, Social Security Number or ITIN, and home address, alongside pivotal exemption claims. Employees specify their county of residence and principal employment as of January 1. These details directly impact state and county tax withholdings.
  • Exemptions for Spouses and Dependents: Employees have the opportunity to claim exemptions not only for themselves but also for non-working spouses and dependents. The guidelines provided help in determining the allowable number of exemptions, including additional ones for individuals over the age of 65 or those who are legally blind.
  • Nonresident Alien Limitations: Nonresident aliens, defined by not meeting the green card test or the substantial presence test, face limitations, being eligible to claim only one withholding tax exemption. This contrasts with resident employees who might claim numerous exemptions based on their personal and dependents' status.
  • Adjustments to Withholding: Employees desiring additional amounts to be withheld from their pay for state and county tax purposes can specify these amounts on their WH-4. While this does not obligate employers to deduct these additional amounts, it empowers employees to tailor their withholdings to better match their anticipated tax liabilities.
  • Updating the WH-4: It's vital for employees to understand that the WH-4 form is not static; it should reflect current status and exemptions. Therefore, if an employee experiences life changes such as marriage, divorce, or a change in dependents, updating the WH-4 promptly is necessary. Failure to accurately report exemptions may lead to incorrect withholdings and potential penalties.

By carefully completing and, if necessary, periodically updating the Indiana WH-4 form, employees can manage their income tax withholdings more efficiently, ensuring that they neither overpay nor underpay their state and county taxes. Both employers and employees bear responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided on this form, which remains a cornerstone of the tax withholding process in Indiana.

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