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Are You Tax Ready? Quarter 4 Prep for W-2 Earners
- Michelle A Wilson, EA, MSA
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
Before January sneaks up, let’s make sure every W-2 earner — my faithful 9-to-5ers — is positioned for a smooth filing season.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
How to catch up if you have unfiled tax returns for 2024 and prior
Which documents to start organizing now (W-2s, 1098s, 1099-Gs, and more)
How to fix your W-4 form step-by-step
Key fourth-quarter planning moves to close out 2025
Details on my November Birthday Tax Specials
If You Have Unfiled Taxes (2024 or Earlier)
If you haven’t filed your 2024 return or any prior-year returns, please reach out to me so that we can get your taxes filed and get you back in compliance. Do not wait for the IRS to do it for you — when they prepare a Substitute for Return (SFR), they leave out credits and deductions that could benefit you, often leading to unnecessary balances and penalties.
Even if you end up owing, we can still get you filed, then set up an official payment arrangement with the IRS.
Organize Your Documents Now
Start organizing what you’ll need before filing season:
Name and Address Changes: Verify both with your employer and the Social Security Administration.
W-2 Forms: If you worked multiple jobs, review paystubs or deposits to identify every employer and confirm your name and address are correct.
Child-Care Statements: Ask your daycare provider for a year-to-date statement and make sure their EIN number is listed.
College Tuition (1098-T): Log in to your student’s school portal now to confirm access when it becomes available.
Unemployment (1099-G): Make sure you have login credentials for your state Department of Labor account so you can download the 1099-G when issued.
Retirement or HSA Contributions: Check if you can make final deposits before December 31.
Understand and Correct Your W-4 Form
Your W-4 controls how much tax is withheld from your paycheck. Let’s break down what the form says vs. what I recommend based on experience.
Step 3 – Claim Dependents
What the form says:
Multiply each child under 17 × $2,000.
Multiply each other dependent × $500.
What I say (be conservative so you don’t owe at tax time):
Single parent with 1 child: Add 0 to all boxes and sign.
Two children: Instead of $4,000, enter $2,000.
If you have four dependents age 17 and over: Enter $1,000 (2 × $500). Picking up 2 dependents.
Quick estimate: multiply your gross pay × 15% as a safe cushion for taxes. For exact numbers, schedule a call so I can calculate your true withholding needs.
Step 4 – Other Adjustments
What the form says:
4(a): Other income not from jobs.
4(b): Deductions other than standard.
4(c): Extra withholding.
Step 4(c) – What It Means:
This is the line where you enter a flat extra dollar amount you want withheld from each paycheck to cover additional tax (e.g., side income or a second job).
What I say:
If you have a second job or side business, note it in 4(a). Then, in 4(c), add extra withholding — especially if you earn outside W-2 income.
Example: If your business makes $5,000 a month, add 10–15% ($500–$750) to your W-2 withholding to stay safe.
Quarter-End Planning Moves
Before December 31, you should:
Spend down FSA balances.
Max out 401(k), 403(b), or IRA contributions.
Review HSA contributions and open-enrollment elections.
Verify beneficiaries and withholding updates.
These small steps reduce surprises and increase savings at tax time.
November Tax Special – Birthday Savings!
Every November I celebrate my birthday (turning 56 this year) by helping all of my clients — including W-2 earners — get caught up for a fraction of the cost.
W-2-only returns: $99 – $150 each (paid upfront).
Business returns: Discounted after consultation.
Offer valid November 1–30, 2025.
Stay Tuned: 2025 Credit & Deduction Changes
In the next blog, I’ll walk through a few new rules and updates for 2025 — including key credits, deductions, and other tax changes that W-2 earners should know. Stay tuned so you’re prepared before January.
Next Steps – Free 15-Minute Tax Check-In
If you have questions or want to confirm your withholding:
Text “TAX” to 470-470-6088 to receive the form to book your free 15-minute consultation.
Michelle A. Wilson, EA, MSA —
The Accountant, Tax & Business Coach
Cornerstone Coworking, 279 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA 30046
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