Film Accounting Glossary
W-4
What is a W-4?
Also called W4, or employee withholding certificate.
A W-4 is the form on which an employee tells the employer how much federal income tax to withhold from their pay.
Every crew member completes one as part of their start paperwork, and a missing W-4 forces withholding at the default rate rather than the employee's chosen one. Corrections are common mid-production, and each one has to reach the payroll company before the next batch closes to take effect.
Example
A crew member starts without a W-4, so withholding defaults to the highest rate rather than their elected one. They notice on the first check, submit a corrected form, and it only takes effect if it reaches the payroll company before the next batch closes.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Part of start paperwork collected before the first payroll batch. Mid-show corrections are routine and time-sensitive.
Common mistake
Starting someone without one and correcting it later. Withholding defaults to the highest rate, and the correction only applies from the next batch onward.
Related questions
- What is a W-4 used for?
- It tells the employer how much federal income tax to withhold from an employee's pay, based on the employee's own elections.
- Can a crew member change their W-4 mid-production?
- Yes, and it is common. The change takes effect from the next payroll batch, provided it reaches the payroll company before that batch closes.