Form VA‑4: Income Tax Withholding Exemption Certificate

Form VA‑4: Income Tax Withholding Exemption Certificate: Key Takeaways

• Form VA-4 is used by Virginia employees to determine proper state income tax withholding.
• It requires personal info and exemption claims based on marital status, dependents, age, and blindness.
• Submitting an accurate VA-4 prevents under- or over-withholding of state income taxes.

Form VA-4 is essential for Virginia employees to inform employers about their state income tax withholding exemptions.

This article explains how to complete the VA-4 correctly and the key points employees should know.

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1. What Is Form VA‑4 and Why Is It Important?

Form VA-4, officially called the Employee's Virginia Income Tax Withholding Exemption Certificate, is required for Virginia employees to set the amount of state income tax withheld from their paychecks.

This form allows employees to claim exemptions and specify additional withholding amounts to ensure the right amount of tax is deducted.

Filing a correct VA-4 helps avoid issues such as unexpectedly large tax bills or overpaying taxes throughout the year.

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2. Key Components of Form VA‑4

Personal Information Section

This section requires employees to fill in their full name, Social Security Number, and current address. Providing accurate info here is vital for correct tax processing.

Personal Exemption Worksheet

The worksheet guides employees to calculate the exemptions they can claim to reduce withholding:

• Line 1: Enter "1" to claim exemption for yourself.
• Line 2: Enter "1" if married and your spouse does not claim exemption.
• Line 3: Number of dependents claimed on your tax return, excluding your spouse.
• Line 4: Total of Lines 1 through 3.
• Lines 5 and 6: Additional exemptions if you or your spouse are aged 65 or older or blind.
• Line 7: Total exemptions for age and blindness.
• Line 8: Combined total of all exemptions (Lines 4 plus 7).

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Withholding Information

After calculating exemptions, employees use the following lines:

• Line 1: Enter total exemptions from the worksheet.
• Line 2: Optionally specify extra withholding amount per paycheck.
• Line 3: Certify exemption from Virginia withholding if eligible.
• Line 4: Certify exemption under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act or Military Spouses Residency Relief Act if applicable.

3. Important Considerations for Form VA‑4

Submission Requirement

Employees must submit the completed form to their employer when starting a new job.

Failing to submit will cause the employer to withhold taxes as if no exemptions were claimed, which may result in excessive withholding.

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Accuracy Is Essential

Providing accurate exemption information helps keep withholding balanced.

Overstating exemptions may cause underpayment of taxes and penalties, while understating leads to excess withholding and reduced paycheck amounts.

Annual Review and Updating

Employees should review and update Form VA-4 annually or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or childbirth.

This ensures withholding reflects current financial and family circumstances.

Nonresident Employees and Withholding

Nonresidents working in Virginia are typically subject to the same withholding rules.

However, exceptions exist, such as under certain tax treaties or protection provided by Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provisions.

4. Benefits of Proper Form VA‑4 Completion

• Ensures paycheck withholding matches your tax liability as closely as possible.
• Helps avoid surprises during tax season, such as refunds or owing money.
• Empowers employees to manage their tax withholding strategically, including requesting additional withholding if preferred.

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5. How To Fill Out Form VA‑4 Correctly

Start by carefully entering your personal information.

Complete the Personal Exemption Worksheet based on your status and dependents.

Consider any additional withholding you want to request.

If you qualify for withholding exemptions, mark the certifications on Lines 3 or 4 accordingly.

Review all entries for accuracy before submitting to your employer.

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6. Where To Find Form VA‑4 and Additional Resources

You can download Form VA-4 directly from the Virginia Department of Taxation’s website.

Additional tax forms, instructions, and assistance resources are also available online to support proper completion and compliance.

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7. Useful Links for Form VA‑4 and Virginia Tax Help

• Virginia Department of Taxation
• Form VA-4 Download (2023)
• Virginia Tax Forms and Instructions
• Virginia Taxpayer Assistance
• Virginia Tax FAQs

Form VA‑4: Income Tax Withholding Exemption Certificate: Conclusion

Form VA-4 is a critical document for Virginia employees to control state income tax withholding accurately.

Completing it carefully ensures compliance with tax laws and prevents withholding mistakes that could affect your finances.

Regularly updating the form when your situation changes helps maintain proper withholding throughout your employment.

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