Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request
Request voluntary federal income tax withholding from certain government payments such as Social Security or unemployment.
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About Form W-4V
Form W-4V lets you ask a government agency to withhold federal income tax from certain payments you receive. This includes payments like Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and some other federal payments where withholding is voluntary.
Because these payments can be partly taxable, having tax withheld throughout the year can help you avoid owing a large amount when you file. The form uses a set of flat percentage choices for benefit payments so you can pick the rate that fits your situation.
You give the completed form to the agency that pays you, not to the IRS. You can submit a new form later to change the withholding rate or to stop withholding entirely.
Who needs to complete it
- People receiving Social Security or equivalent railroad retirement benefits who want tax withheld.
- Individuals collecting unemployment compensation who prefer to pay tax as they go.
- Recipients of certain other federal payments eligible for voluntary withholding.
- Anyone who wants to change or stop voluntary withholding on a government payment.
How to fill out Form W-4V
- 1Enter your name, address, and Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.
- 2Identify the type of payment you want withholding applied to.
- 3Select the withholding percentage or option that applies to your payment type.
- 4Follow the line-by-line instructions on the official form to choose the correct rate.
- 5Sign and date the form to authorize the request.
- 6Submit the completed form to the agency that pays you, not to the IRS.
- 7Keep a copy and file a new form later if you want to change or stop withholding.
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Frequently asked questions
Where do I send Form W-4V?
Give the completed form to the agency that pays your benefit, such as the Social Security Administration or your state unemployment office. Do not send it to the IRS.
Is withholding on Social Security required?
No. Withholding on these government payments is voluntary. Form W-4V lets you choose to have tax withheld if you want to avoid owing at tax time.
How do I stop the withholding?
Complete a new Form W-4V, indicate that you want to stop withholding, and submit it to the paying agency.
Can I pick any withholding amount?
For benefit payments, the form offers set percentage choices rather than a custom dollar amount. Follow the instructions to select the option that fits your needs.