Oak Park, IL asked in Tax Law for Illinois

Q: I just discovered my employer failed to take out federal taxes yet took out state taxes. They will not meet with me.

I completed a W4 when I was hired. I am a salaried employee. I have contacted them three times in the past two weeks and they refuse to respond. What can I do?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Tax Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Discovering that your employer has not deducted federal taxes from your salary, despite taking out state taxes, can be distressing and potentially lead to complications with the IRS. The first step is to ensure that you have documented your attempts to contact your employer about this issue. Keep records of all communications, as this will be important if you need to take further action.

Since your employer is not responding, you might consider reaching out to the HR department or a higher authority within your organization if you haven't already done so. Sometimes, issues like this can be overlooked or mishandled at lower levels, and bringing it to the attention of someone with more authority can help resolve the problem.

If internal efforts fail, you may need to contact the IRS directly for guidance. They can offer advice on how to handle taxes that were not withheld from your salary. It's also advisable to consult with a tax professional who can help you understand your obligations and potentially assist in communicating with your employer or the IRS to rectify the situation. Acting proactively is key to minimizing any negative impact on your tax obligations.

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