What Form W-4 does
Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck. It’s the form that directly determines whether you get a refund, owe money, or come out close to even at tax time; and it’s filled out by the employee, not the employer.

When you fill one out
You are required to fill out a Form W-4 upon being hired at a new job, but you can ask to update it whenever you choose.

Why it’s worth revisiting, not just filing once
A lot of people fill out a W-4 on their first day at a job and never touch it again; even after major life changes. That’s how people end up with a much bigger refund or a surprise tax bill than expected. If your household income, filing status, or number of dependents has changed, it’s worth updating.

How Luminary can help
If you’re not sure whether your current withholding matches your actual tax situation; especially if you also have self-employment or investment income alongside a W-2 job; we can help you figure out the right adjustment so you’re not caught off guard either way.