IRS Form W-4 (ru) – In today’s diverse workforce, many employees prefer accessing tax forms in their native language. If you’re a Russian-speaking employee or employer in the United States, IRS Form W-4 (RU) – the Russian version of the Employee’s Withholding Certificate – is an essential tool for managing federal income tax withholding. This SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know about the form, including its purpose, how to fill it out, recent updates for 2026, and where to download it. Whether you’re starting a new job or adjusting your withholding, understanding Form W-4 (RU) can help ensure your paycheck reflects the right tax deductions.
What Is IRS Form W-4 (RU)?
IRS Form W-4, officially titled the Employee’s Withholding Certificate, allows employees to instruct their employers on how much federal income tax to withhold from their paychecks. The Russian version, Form W-4 (RU), is a direct translation of the English form, making it accessible for Russian speakers. It helps non-English proficient individuals accurately report their filing status, dependents, additional income, and deductions without language barriers.
The form is crucial for avoiding under- or over-withholding taxes, which could lead to unexpected tax bills or smaller refunds during tax season. Employees typically submit Form W-4 (RU) when starting a new job or after life changes like marriage, having a child, or buying a home.
Purpose of the Russian Version of Form W-4
The IRS provides Form W-4 in multiple languages, including Russian, to support a multilingual population. This version ensures that Russian-speaking workers can comprehend and complete the form independently, reducing errors in tax withholding. It’s identical in structure and requirements to the English form but uses Russian terminology for clarity.
According to IRS guidelines, the Russian translation helps employees claim appropriate credits and deductions, such as the Child Tax Credit or adjustments for multiple jobs. Employers are encouraged to accept the Russian version as it’s officially recognized by the IRS.
Key Updates to Form W-4 for 2026
The 2026 Form W-4, including the Russian version, has been updated to reflect changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, P.L. 119-21). These modifications aim to align withholding with new tax provisions, ensuring more accurate take-home pay.
Here are the major changes:
- Permanent Tax Reforms: Extension of individual tax rates, increased standard deduction, and elimination of personal exemptions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
- New Exemption Checkbox: Instead of writing “Exempt” in Step 4(c), employees now check a dedicated box below it to claim exemption from federal income tax withholding (if eligible, e.g., no tax liability expected for the year).
- Updated Credits and Deductions: The Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per qualifying child (up from $2,000). New deductions for qualified tips (up to $25,000) and overtime compensation (up to $12,500, or $25,000 for married filing jointly) for tax years 2025-2029.
- Form Length: Expanded to five pages, with enhanced worksheets for deductions, other income, and multiple jobs.
- Russian Release Date: The IRS released the Russian translation on January 13, 2026, following Spanish and Korean versions.
These updates help employees adjust withholding for new deductions, potentially increasing their net pay. Employers must update payroll systems to accommodate these changes.
How to Fill Out IRS Form W-4 (RU) Step by Step?
Filling out Form W-4 (RU) is straightforward and divided into five steps. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator tool for personalized recommendations. Here’s a high-level overview (translated from the Russian form for clarity):
- Step 1: Enter Personal Information
Provide your name, Social Security Number (SSN), address, and filing status (Single/Married Filing Separately, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household). This sets the base for your withholding rate. - Step 2: Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works
If you have more than one job or your spouse works, check the box or use the Multiple Jobs Worksheet. This prevents under-withholding by adjusting for total household income. - Step 3: Claim Dependents and Other Credits
Enter the number of qualifying children under 17 ($2,200 credit each) and other dependents ($500 each). Total these on Line 3 for credit adjustments. - Step 4: Other Adjustments (Optional)
- (a) Other income (e.g., interest, dividends).
- (b) Deductions (use the Deductions Worksheet if itemizing beyond the standard deduction).
- (c) Extra withholding per pay period.
Check the new exemption box below (c) if you qualify for no withholding.
- Step 5: Sign and Date
Sign the form and provide the date. Submit it to your employer – do not send it to the IRS.
For complex situations, refer to the attached worksheets for precise calculations. If you’re exempt, ensure you meet the criteria: no tax liability last year and none expected this year.
Tips for Accurate Completion
- Update annually or after major life events.
- Use worksheets for multiple jobs, high deductions, or non-wage income.
- Employers: Treat the Russian version the same as English; retain it for records.
Download IRS Form W-4 (RU) PDF
The official 2026 IRS Form W-4 (RU) is available for free download from the IRS website. Click here to access the latest version: Download Form W-4 (RU) PDF.
Always download from irs.gov to ensure you’re using the most current edition, last reviewed on February 2, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form W-4 (RU)
Who needs to file Form W-4 (RU)?
Any employee who wants to adjust their federal tax withholding, especially Russian speakers for ease of understanding.
Is the Russian version legally valid?
Yes, it’s fully accepted by the IRS and employers.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Submit a new Form W-4 (RU) to your employer to correct it.
Are there penalties for incorrect withholding?
Under-withholding may result in owing taxes plus penalties; over-withholding means a larger refund but less take-home pay.
Where can I get help filling it out?
Use the IRS Withholding Estimator at IRS.gov/W4App or consult a tax professional.
Conclusion
IRS Form W-4 (RU) empowers Russian-speaking employees to manage their tax withholding effectively, incorporating 2026 updates for better accuracy. By understanding and using this form, you can optimize your paycheck and avoid tax surprises. Remember to download the latest version and consult IRS resources for personalized advice. For more tax tips, visit the official IRS website.