Which IRS form must employees submit to indicate their marital status and allowances for tax withholding?

Employees must submit Form W-4 to indicate their marital status and the number of allowances they wish to claim for tax withholding purposes. This form is essential because it informs the employer about the employee's tax situation, which allows for the appropriate amount of federal income tax to be withheld from their paycheck throughout the year.

The information provided on the W-4 directly impacts how tax withholding is calculated, ensuring that the employee does not withhold too much or too little tax from their earnings. An accurate completion of this form is crucial for ensuring that the individual meets their tax obligations accurately when filing their annual tax return.

In contrast, the other forms listed serve different purposes. Form W-2 is used by employers to report annual wage and tax information to the IRS and to the employee. Form 1040 is the standard IRS form used by individuals to file their annual income tax return. Lastly, Form W-3 is a summary form that is used to transmit W-2 forms to the IRS, outlining the total earnings and taxes withheld for all employees.