State Withholding Forms Vary By State

Depending on the state you reside in, in addition to completing a W-4 Form to withhold federal taxes from your paycheck, you may actually need to complete a state withholding form.

What is a State W-4 Form?

A state W-4 Form is a tax document that serves as a guide for employers to withhold a specific amount on each paycheck to go towards state taxes. It works similarly to a federal form W-4 in that it tells your employer about your withholding needs.

States either use their own state W-4 form or the federal Form W-4.

Unless an employee works in a state with no state income tax, they must complete the required W-4 state form when starting a new job – or each year to make sure their allowances are met.

Is There A Difference Between a State W-4 and a Federal W-4?

Yes, there is a difference between state W-4s and federal Form W-4. Every employee in the U.S. will fill out a federal Form W-4, yet not every employee will fill out a state W-4. Your state tax withholdings and form requirements will vary depending on the state you reside in.

U.S. States that Require State Tax Withholding Forms

You’re now probably wondering what states require state tax withholding forms.

The following states have separate state tax withholding forms. Employees should complete the form each year and give it to their employers, so the proper amount is withheld for state taxes.

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

What States Don’t Require State W-4s?

The following states have no income tax and don’t require state W-4s:

• Alaska
• Florida
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington
• Wyoming

The remaining states use the federal W-4 as a guide to withhold state income tax from an employee’s paycheck.

More Help With State Withholding Forms

Consult your employer’s human resources office to verify the required income tax forms in your state.

For personalized guidance when it comes to state withholding forms and your tax return outcome, find an H&R Block tax office nearest you. In the meantime, view our W-4 paycheck tax calculator.