IRS Releases redesigned form W-4 for 2020 and later
Last updated December 9, 2019

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Beginning January 1, 2020 any W-4 forms completed by new or existing employees MUST be the 2020 version (linked above). This form is very different than the form for previous years due to federal tax changes made in 2018.

Remember: You should replace any W-4 forms included with your application beginning January 1, 2020!

Existing employees ARE NOT required to submit a new W-4 for 2020. However, if an employee wants/needs to make changes to their withholding the must complete the 2020 form. When an employee does not submit a new form, a different calculation method is used so it is likely that the employees withholding amount will be different than previous years.

Even though completing a new form for 2020 is not required, the IRS recommends checking your withholding using the IRS Withholding Estimator to avoid a large tax bill at the end of the year.

WAMS Changes to support 2020 Form W-4

2020 W-4 Entry
Form W-4, 2020 (and later)
2019 W-4 Entry
Form W-4, 2019 (and earlier)
We have updated WAMS to correctly calculate Federal Withholding based on the new 2020 W-4 OR the 2019 version. When entering employee tax settings, select the tab that matches the form the employee has filled out. Then, enter the values exactly as the employee has written them on the form.

In cases where a fixed withholding amount must be entered, set the Calculation Method to Fixed and enter the amount on the 2019 tab.


Employee tips for completing the 2020 Form W-4

  • Read all instructions before completing the form
  • Box 1 (Personal Information) and Box 5 (Signature) must be completed.
  • Box 2 (Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works) - Complete this step if your household has 2 or more jobs.  You can use the attached worksheet to calculate your withholding or use the IRS Withholding Estimator to calculate more accurate withholding.  If your household has 2 jobs that have roughly the same pay and you don't want to use the calculator, you may check box 2(c) on the W-4 for both jobs. If job amounts are different and you check box 2(c), you will likely be withholding too much from your checks!
Only complete box 3 and 4 for one job. Your withholding will be most accurate if it is your highest paying job.
  • Box 3 (Claim Dependents) - Complete this step if you have qualifying dependents.  (See the instructions page for details)
  • Box 4 (Other Adjustments) - Complete this box if you have other income, or deductions you would like to include.  In box 4(c) you can either enter an additional amount to withhold OR enter the result of your multiple jobs worksheet / IRS Withholding Estimator.

This page is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to constitute legal or accounting advice. You should review all information on your own.