The Arizona A-4 form is a crucial document that allows employees to elect their Arizona income tax withholding percentage from their wages. By completing this form, you can choose a specific percentage or opt for zero withholding if you anticipate no tax liability for the year. Ensuring you fill out this form correctly is essential for managing your tax responsibilities effectively.
Take the first step in managing your Arizona tax withholding by filling out the form below.
The Arizona A-4 form is a crucial document for employees working in Arizona, as it allows them to select their state income tax withholding percentage. Employees must provide their full name, Social Security number, and home address on the form. They can choose from several withholding rates, ranging from 0.8% to 5.1% of their gross taxable wages. Alternatively, employees may elect to have no withholding if they anticipate having no tax liability for the year. The form also outlines the responsibilities of both new and current employees regarding withholding adjustments. New hires should complete the form within the first five days of employment to establish their withholding percentage. Current employees can file the A-4 form to change their existing withholding rate or add an additional amount to be withheld per paycheck. It is important to note that if an employee does not submit this form, the default withholding rate will be set at 2.7%. Nonresident employees working temporarily in Arizona also have the option to elect withholding through this form, depending on their tax situation. Understanding the Arizona A-4 form is essential for ensuring proper tax compliance and managing personal finances effectively.
ARIZONA FORM
Employee’s Arizona Withholding
2013
A-4
Percentage Election
Type or print your full name
Your social security number
Home address (number and street or rural route)
City or town, state, and ZIP code
Arizona Withholding Percentage Election Options
Choose only one:
1I choose to have Arizona withholding at the rate of
(check only one box):
0.8%
1.3%
1.8%
2.7%
3.6%
4.2%
5.1% of my gross taxable wages.
Additional amount to be withheld per paycheck $
2I hereby elect an Arizona withholding percentage of zero, and I certify that I expect to have no Arizona tax liability for the current taxable year.
I certify that I have made the percentage election marked above.
SIGNATURE
DATE
EMPLOYEE’S INSTRUCTIONS
Arizona law requires your employer to withhold Arizona income tax from your wages for work done in Arizona. This amount is applied to your Arizona income tax due when you file your tax return. The amount withheld is a percentage of your gross taxable wages of every paycheck. You may also have your employer withhold an extra amount from each paycheck. Complete this form to select a percentage and any extra amount to be withheld from each paycheck.
What are my “Gross Taxable Wages”?
For withholding purposes, your “gross taxable wages” are the wages that will generally be in box 1 of your federal Form W-2. It is your gross wages less any pretax deductions, such as your share of health insurance premiums.
New Employees
Complete this form in the first five days of employment to select an Arizona withholding percentage. You may also have your employer withhold an extra amount from each paycheck. If you do not file this form, the department requires your employer to withhold 2.7% of your gross taxable wages.
Current Employees
If you want to change the current amount withheld, you must file this form to change the Arizona withholding percentage or change the extra amount withheld.
What Should I do With Form A-4?
Give your completed Form A-4 to your employer.
Electing a Withholding Percentage of Zero
You may elect an Arizona withholding percentage of zero if you expect to have no Arizona income tax liability for the current year. Arizona tax liability is gross tax liability less any tax credits, such as the family tax credit, school tax credits, or credits for taxes paid to other states. If you make this election, your employer will not withhold Arizona income tax from your wages for payroll periods beginning after the date you file the form. Zero withholding does not relieve you from paying Arizona income taxes that might be due at the time you file your Arizona income tax return. If you have an Arizona tax liability when you file your return or if at any time during the current year conditions change so that you expect to have a tax liability, you should promptly file a new Form A-4 and choose a percentage that applies to you.
Voluntary Withholding Election by Certain Nonresident Employees
Compensation earned by nonresidents while physically working in Arizona for temporary periods is subject to Arizona income tax. However, under Arizona law, compensation paid to certain nonresident employees is not subject to Arizona income tax withholding. These nonresident employees need to review their situations and determine whether they should elect to have Arizona income taxes withheld from their Arizona source compensation. Nonresident employees may request that their employer withhold Arizona income taxes by completing this form to elect an Arizona withholding percentage.
ADOR 10121 (12)
Completing the Arizona A-4 form is an essential step in managing your state income tax withholding. This form allows you to choose the percentage of your gross taxable wages that will be withheld for Arizona income tax. It is important to fill out this form accurately to ensure the correct amount is withheld from your paychecks.
What is the Arizona A-4 form?
The Arizona A-4 form is an official document used by employees to elect their Arizona income tax withholding percentage. This form allows individuals to specify the percentage of their gross taxable wages that their employer should withhold for state income tax purposes. Employees can choose from several percentage options or elect zero withholding if they expect no tax liability for the year.
Who needs to complete the Arizona A-4 form?
New employees must complete the Arizona A-4 form within the first five days of their employment. This requirement ensures that the correct amount of state income tax is withheld from their paychecks. Current employees who wish to change their withholding percentage or adjust any additional amounts withheld must also submit this form. If an employee does not file the form, the employer is required to withhold 2.7% of their gross taxable wages.
What are "gross taxable wages" for the purpose of the A-4 form?
Gross taxable wages refer to the total earnings that are reported in box 1 of the employee's federal Form W-2. This figure includes all wages before any pretax deductions, such as health insurance premiums. Understanding this definition is crucial for employees when determining the correct withholding percentage on the A-4 form.
What should I do if I elect a withholding percentage of zero?
If an employee elects a withholding percentage of zero, they certify that they expect to have no Arizona income tax liability for the current tax year. While this means that no state income tax will be withheld from their wages, it does not eliminate the obligation to pay any taxes owed when filing their Arizona income tax return. If circumstances change and the employee anticipates a tax liability, they should promptly submit a new A-4 form to select an appropriate withholding percentage.
Can nonresident employees use the Arizona A-4 form?
Yes, nonresident employees who earn compensation while working temporarily in Arizona can use the Arizona A-4 form. They may choose to have Arizona income taxes withheld from their earnings by completing this form. However, it is essential for nonresident employees to assess their specific tax situations, as some may not be subject to Arizona income tax withholding under state law.
Filling out the Arizona A-4 form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One frequent error is neglecting to provide accurate personal information. This includes not entering the full name, social security number, or home address correctly. Such inaccuracies can delay processing and may even result in improper withholding.
Another common mistake involves the selection of the withholding percentage. Individuals often fail to check only one box, which is essential. Selecting multiple percentages can create confusion and may lead to the default withholding rate being applied, rather than the intended choice. It is crucial to carefully review this section before submitting the form.
Many employees overlook the option to withhold an additional amount per paycheck. This oversight can result in an unexpected tax bill at the end of the year. If you anticipate owing more taxes, specifying an additional amount on the form can help manage your tax liability effectively.
Additionally, some individuals mistakenly believe they can simply submit the form at any time. However, Arizona law requires that new employees complete the A-4 form within the first five days of employment. Current employees must also file the form to change their withholding percentage. Missing these deadlines can lead to unwanted tax consequences.
Another error occurs when employees elect a withholding percentage of zero without fully understanding the implications. While this option is available for those expecting no tax liability, it does not exempt individuals from future tax obligations. If circumstances change and a tax liability arises, it is important to file a new A-4 form promptly.
In some cases, nonresident employees may not be aware of their eligibility for withholding exemptions. Compensation earned while temporarily working in Arizona can be subject to tax, but certain nonresident employees may choose to opt out. Failing to review eligibility can lead to unnecessary withholding.
Lastly, many individuals forget to sign and date the form before submission. This seemingly minor step is crucial, as an unsigned form may be deemed invalid. Employers require a signature to ensure that the employee has acknowledged the withholding election.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, individuals can ensure a smoother experience when completing the Arizona A-4 form. Taking the time to double-check all entries and understand the implications of each choice can lead to better tax management and fewer complications down the line.
The Arizona A-4 form is an essential document for employees in Arizona to elect their state income tax withholding percentage. Alongside this form, several other documents may be necessary for various tax and employment-related processes. The following list outlines these additional forms and their purposes.
Understanding these forms can help employees and employers navigate the complexities of tax withholding and compliance in Arizona. Each document serves a specific purpose and contributes to accurate reporting and tax obligations.
The Arizona A-4 form is used for employees to elect their Arizona income tax withholding percentage. Several other documents serve similar purposes in different contexts. Here are four documents that share similarities with the Arizona A-4 form:
When filling out the Arizona A-4 form, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Arizona withholding is handled correctly, avoiding potential issues with your tax obligations.
Misconceptions about the Arizona A-4 form can lead to confusion regarding tax withholding. Here are four common misunderstandings:
Filling out the Arizona A-4 form is a crucial step for employees working in Arizona. Here are key takeaways to ensure you understand its importance and how to use it effectively:
Understanding these points will help ensure compliance with Arizona tax laws and may assist in effective tax planning for the year ahead.