Form W-4V - Feb 2018

Download and fill out form W-4V online

Form W-4V is a one-page IRS form that lets you request federal income tax withholding from certain government payments. These include Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, Railroad Retirement benefits (Tier 1) and certain crop disaster payments.

Without a W-4V on file, these payments are sent to you with no federal tax taken out. That can result in an unexpected tax bill or a large balance owed when you file your annual return. Submitting this form helps you spread your tax obligation across the year in smaller, more manageable amounts.

Benefits of using Lumin's fillable W-4V form

Filling out a paper form by hand can lead to errors that delay processing. Using a fillable digital version of Form W-4V keeps everything clear, accurate and easy to manage from start to finish.

Here’s what you get when you use the Lumin W-4V template:

• Type directly into every field

Enter your name, address, Social Security number and withholding rate without printing first. Clean typed text helps prevent delays caused by hard to read handwriting.

• Make edits instantly

Need to fix a typo or adjust your withholding percentage? Update the form in seconds without starting over or reprinting.

• Sign electronically

Add your signature on screen so your form is ready to print and send right away. No extra steps after completing the document.

• Save and download anytime

Keep a digital copy for your records or print a hard copy whenever needed. Everything stays accessible in one place.

• Work from any device

Open and complete your form on a computer, tablet or phone. No downloads or installations required.

• Get started right away

Begin filling out your form immediately without a long sign up process.

How to complete your W-4V in minutes

The form is straightforward and only requires a few pieces of information. Here is what you will need to fill in:

• Your personal details: Your full legal name, home address and Social Security number go in the top section of the form.
• Your claim or identification number: This is the number your payer uses to identify your account. For Social Security recipients, it is your SSN. For unemployment benefits, use the claim number assigned by your state agency. You can find this number on any payment statement or letter from your payer.
• Your withholding rate: The IRS gives you four options to choose from: 7%, 10%, 12% or 22%. You can only select one rate, and it will apply to all payments from that payer. If you are not sure which rate to pick, 10% or 12% is a common starting point for Social Security recipients.
• Your signature and date: Sign and date the form at the bottom. If you are using the Lumin template, you can add your electronic signature directly in the document.

Once completed, print the form and mail it to the agency that issues your payments. The form does not go to the IRS.

Where to send your completed W-4V

Where you mail the form depends on the type of benefit you receive. You send it directly to your payer, not to the IRS. Here is where to send it based on your payment type:

• Social Security benefits: Mail or deliver your W-4V to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.
• Unemployment compensation: Send the form to your state's unemployment agency. The mailing address is typically listed on your benefit statements or your state's unemployment website.
• Railroad Retirement benefits: Mail the form to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.

Keep in mind that processing times vary by agency. For Social Security, withholding changes typically take one to two payment cycles to take effect. For unemployment benefits, most state agencies process the request within one to two weeks.

Who needs form W-4V

Not everyone receiving government payments needs to file this form. It applies specifically to people who want federal income tax withheld from:

• Social Security retirement or disability benefits
• Social Security survivor benefits
• Unemployment compensation from a state agency
• Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits
• Certain federal crop disaster payments

If you do not submit a W-4V, no federal tax will be withheld from these payments. Many recipients prefer to withhold a small percentage throughout the year rather than owe a lump sum at tax time.

You can submit a new W-4V at any time if you want to change your withholding rate or stop withholding entirely.

Ready to fill out your W-4V?

Skip the hassle of printing, handwriting and scanning. Use our fillable W-4V form to enter your details, choose your withholding rate and sign your form digitally. Fill and sign for free with Lumin.

Fill out form W-4V for free