What Is Form W-4MN and How Do I Fill It Out?

Form W-4MN, the Minnesota Employee Withholding Allowance/Exemption Certificate, is a state-specific document used by employers to determine the correct amount of Minnesota income tax to withhold from an employee’s wages. It functions separately from the federal Form W-4, meaning the allowances and information you provide on the federal form do not automatically transfer to your state withholding. Accurately completing this form ensures that the funds deducted from each paycheck align with your anticipated annual state tax liability, helping you avoid a large tax bill or a significant overpayment.

Information Needed to Complete Form W-4MN

Before filling out Form W-4MN, you will need your full name, current address, and Social Security Number. You must also decide on a filing status, such as Single or Married, which should align with the status you anticipate using on your annual state tax return.

A central component of the form is determining your Minnesota allowances. An allowance reduces the amount of your income subject to withholding. You can claim allowances for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents you will claim on your tax return. The form’s worksheet guides you through calculating the total number of allowances you are eligible for. If you anticipate having a more complex tax situation, such as significant non-wage income, you may also need to determine if you want an additional, specific dollar amount withheld from each paycheck to cover that potential liability. The most current version of Form W-4MN and its detailed instructions are available on the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s website.

A Line-by-Line Guide to Filling Out Form W-4MN

The top of Form W-4MN requires your personal details, including your full name, Social Security Number, and address. Below this, you will select your filing status—either Single or Married.

The next section is where you calculate and declare your Minnesota withholding allowances. Using the worksheet provided with the form, you will determine the number of allowances you can claim for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This calculated number is then entered on the designated line. If you wish to have an extra amount of tax withheld from each paycheck, you will specify that dollar amount on the subsequent line. This is a common step for individuals with other sources of income to ensure they have paid enough tax by year-end.

The form also includes a section for claiming exemption from Minnesota withholding. You should only complete this section if you meet specific criteria, such as having no Minnesota income tax liability in the prior year and expecting none in the current year. There are also specific exemptions for military spouses, American Indians living and working on a reservation, and for certain military pay. If you meet one of these qualifications, you will check the appropriate box instead of calculating allowances.

Submitting the Form and Keeping it Current

Once you have completed all the necessary lines, you must sign and date the form. You then submit the completed Form W-4MN directly to your employer. Your employer will use this document to adjust your state tax withholding. It is advisable to keep a personal copy of the submitted form for your own records.

You should review your withholding and consider submitting a new Form W-4MN whenever you experience a significant life event that alters your financial or personal situation. Events such as getting married or divorced, the birth or adoption of a child, or a substantial change in your or your spouse’s income can all affect your tax liability. Proactively updating your Form W-4MN helps ensure your withholding remains accurate throughout the year, preventing unexpected tax consequences.