Understanding your W-4 tax form
The W-4 form tells employers how much tax to withhold from your paycheck. This article explains what the W-4 is and how to submit it when you need to update your tax withholdings.
What is a W-4 form?
A W-4 form is a legal tax document that:
- Determines how much tax comes out of your paycheck
- Helps you avoid owing a lot at tax time
- Needs to be updated when your tax situation changes
- Is required for all W-2 employees
When you need to fill out a W-4
You'll need to complete a W-4 form:
- When you first become a W-2 employee with Instawork
- If you want to change your tax withholding
- When your personal or financial situation changes (marriage, new child, second job)
How to fill out your W-4
Access your ADP Account.
Click on Myself
Click on Pay
Click on Tax Withholdings
The page will display two options: Federal and State W4 (If applicable). Click on the button to start the update.
For a complete walkthrough, click the Video Icon in the right-hand corner to get a step-by-step guide to updating the form.
Need help?
Step-by-Step Guide: Click the Video Icon in the right-hand corner of the ADP page for a complete walkthrough.
Access Issues: If you do not have an ADP account or are having trouble logging in, please contact Support via the app.
Requirements for a valid W-4
Your W-4 form must be filled out correctly to be valid. A W-4 is considered invalid if it has:
- Blank or incomplete required fields
- Crossed-out, altered, or illegible information
- Missing signature
- Conflicting or unclear withholding elections (like multiple boxes checked in Step 2)
If your form is invalid, you may need to submit a new one, which could delay your payment processing.
Important things to know
- Your W-4 remains in effect until you submit a new one
- You can update your W-4 at any time if your tax situation changes
- The more accurate your W-4, the more accurate your tax withholding will be.
- If you claim tax exemption, you'll still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your earnings. Tax exemption only affects federal income tax withholding.
- If you need to change your personal information, kindly fill out the W-4 form attached to this article. (Note: Name, address, and SSN are the only information you can fill out in the form. You can send the W4 form through the app to request)