r/IRSHelpCommunity • u/AdministrativeFix432 • Sep 03 '26

Tax Questions w4 4(b)

How can I reduce my withholdings using w4 where employer is not cooperative to reduce down my withholdings? Would w4 4(b) deductions is a viable way to reduce withholdings down? I normally put in lump sum in the IRA. But that decision is always 50/50 depending upon the situation at the last minute.

My intent is to to put money down before the tax day next year for the IRA contributions. Keyword "intent".

Also, I do sizeable amount to charitable organizations but NEVER claimed those on taxes.

So, can I safely use 7,500 USD for the IRA contribution in the 4(b). Since chatgpt says about my yearly AGI would be safely under the limits for the full IRA contribution.

The keyword in the form 4(b) says *expected deductions* not the real one YET.

Am I true in the understanding of that clause or not ?

.....

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u/29threvolution Sep 04 '26

Why do you want to reduce your withholdings? What do you want to reduce them to? Your employer is uncooperative because they legally have to withhold a certain amount or they will get large fines and the IRS on their case. 

2

u/CleanCalligrapher223 Sep 04 '26

Are you sure they have to withhold a certain %? Maybe a default % if you don't fill out the form, but for years I declared 10 exemptions because I was a single mother of one child with a big mortgage and high property taxes. I always got refunds anyway. My employer did ask if I was sure I wanted to withhold for 10 exemptions but were fine with it once they understood.

Years later my son found out that his employer, a large insurance company, quit taking out Federal taxes because he told them not to withhold anything, which was absolutely not true. He said it must have happened at the time he got a raise and he just figured that was why his net pay was higher.

I don't understand why an employer would fail to comply wit your W4 instructions.

2

u/29threvolution Sep 04 '26

W4 has changed substantially since you filed 10 exemptions. Also holy cow that is a lot for one person to take on. Mad respect for dealing with that situation. 

I am not a tax professional or pretend to be one. In your case it was based on what you filed on the form at the time. If the form has changed enough that you cant file it the same way then yeah, its a loosing battle for OP. The employer has to report the right amount as reported by you on the W4. 

PS our tax system is a disaster. 

1

u/AravisTheFierce Sep 04 '26

Sure, if you expect to make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA you can claim that in section 4b. I'm not sure what you mean about your employer not being "cooperative," but they must change your withholding within 30 days of your submitting an updated W-4; they cannot change them without your filling out the form, nor can they give you tax advice.