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DOR > About DOR > Resources > Tax Talk Blog > WH-1 Do’s and Don’ts WH-1 Do’s and Don’ts

Completing the Indiana Withholding Tax Form (WH-1) is no small task. In fact, it is a very important task and the responsibility for every Indiana business withholding taxes from its employees. And when completed correctly, this form ensures that a business’s withholding taxes by county are reported accurately and timely. However, if not completed correctly, there is a risk that taxpayer money doesn’t go to the respective counties, which, you can imagine, is a pretty big problem.

The best and easiest way to complete a WH-1 is through INtax. This is Indiana’s free online tax filing program that allows you to file and pay your business taxes (including withholding and sales); upload W2s, W2Gs, and 1099Rs; register a new tax type; and more.

However, if a business chooses to complete a paper WH-1 (despite the ease and convenience of INtax), it is important to keep the following do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do’s

  • Complete the county tax breakdown portion on the reverse side of the WH-1 and, beginning in 2010, check the box on the front of the form indicating you have completed the reverse side.
  • Be sure that the total amount withheld on the county breakdown on the reverse of the WH-1 matches line 2 on the front of the form.
  • Leave the entry blank if the dollar amount is “0”.
  • Double-check your math.

Don’ts

  • Don’t use dashes, “0”, a line, or other symbols to indicate that you have no amount for that line.
  • Don’t cut the form in half (the reverse side must be completed).
  • Don’t send in multiple returns for the same reporting period unless otherwise requested by the Indiana Department of Revenue.
  • Don’t send cash. Instead, make your check payable to the Indiana Department of Revenue unless you are enrolled in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

More do’s and don’ts along with an example of how to complete a WH-1 correctly can be found on the Department’s Web site at www.in.gov/dor/4183.htm But remember that you wouldn’t even have to worry about these do’s and don’ts if you simply file and pay your withholding taxes using INtax.

If you would like to submit a question or topic suggestions, please send them to feedback@dor.in.gov.

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