Lesson 2: Understanding the W-4 and W-2
Duration of Days: 6.5
Lesson Objective
Students will accurately fill out a simplified W-4 and explain the purpose of the W-2 received in January.
How does the government know how much to take?
What do I do with the paper I get in the mail in January?
Withholding
Exempt
Dependent
Filing Status
Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.12.7
Description: Students perform a "walkthrough" of a W-4 form.
Purpose: Ensuring they aren't over-taxed or under-taxed in their first job.
DOK Level: 3.
Provide a "translation" guide for W-4 legalize; highlight only the "required" boxes for Level 1/2 support.
A correctly completed mock W-4 form with the student's personal information.
Current IRS W-4 forms
W-2 samples
highlighters