Employer Guide to the 2026 Form W-4: Exempt Status & New Rules

Event Overview:

Live Webinar - January 09, 2026 | Speaker: Vicki M. Lambert , CPP | 90 Minutes | HRCI, NASBA & SHRM-Approved Class

Understanding the Form W-4 is essential for every payroll professional. As the primary document used to determine federal income tax withholding, the IRS Form W-4 plays a critical role in processing accurate employee paychecks. Any errors or incomplete information on the form can lead to incorrect withholding, compliance issues, and unnecessary financial or administrative burdens for the organization. Mishandling the form may also affect payroll efficiency, customer service, and employee confidence.

In day-to-day payroll operations, questions about the validity and completion of the IRS form W-4 arise frequently. Teams must evaluate whether the form is filled out correctly, identify missing information such as Line 2c selections or Step 4 details, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. Additionally, payroll departments must navigate state-specific withholding forms, as many states no longer accept the federal Form W-4 for their own tax calculations.

Why You Should Attend:

This webinar offers a comprehensive breakdown of the IRS form W-4 for 2026, helping payroll teams prepare for the new year’s requirements. Participants will gain insight into updated OBBBA-related wording changes, correct completion standards, special rules for non-resident aliens, state-level form equivalents, electronic form processing, and proper record-keeping practices. You will also learn best practices to enhance accuracy, save time, and strengthen payroll compliance.

Why This Webinar Matters:

• How to accurately use the new form W-4, including updated worksheets and tables
• Clear understanding of employer instructions provided in Publication 15-T
• Methods for calculating federal income tax withholding using current and previous versions of Form W-4
• Detailed review of the Form W-4 for 2025 and upcoming changes
• Step-by-step examples for calculating withholding correctly
• Guidance on handling employees who still submit older versions of the form

Who Should Attend:

• Payroll Executives, Managers, Administrators, and Practitioners
• HR Executives, Managers, and Administrators
• Accounting and Finance Professionals
• Business Owners, Leaders, and Operations Managers
• Attorneys, Legal Professionals, and Policy Advisors
• Anyone responsible for managing payroll compliance and tax withholding requirements

Session Format:

Live Webinar: Attend in real time and get your questions answered during the Q&A.

Recording & E-Transcript: Can’t join live? Receive the full session recording and e-transcript within 24–48 hours.

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