When hiring employees, which form must they fill out to provide their marital status and number of exemptions?

The correct choice reflects the requirement for employees to complete a specific form that captures critical information regarding their tax withholding status. The W-4 form is designed for this purpose, as it allows employees to specify their marital status and the number of allowances, or exemptions, they wish to claim for withholding purposes. This information is essential for payroll departments to calculate the appropriate amount of federal income tax to withhold from employees' paychecks.

Understanding the significance of the W-4 helps ensure employees do not have too much or too little tax withheld, which can impact their financial situation at the end of the tax year. It is a vital tool in managing individual tax liability based on personal circumstances, including marital status and dependents.

In contrast, the W-2 form is primarily issued by employers at the end of the year to report an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld. The 1099 form is commonly used to report income received by independent contractors or freelancers, not for employees. Lastly, the W-9 form is utilized by individuals or businesses to provide their Taxpayer Identification Number to businesses that will be paying them, and it does not pertain to employment tax withholding. Understanding the purpose of each form clarifies their distinct roles in the