Arizona Form A-4 Explained
Form A-4 is how Arizona employees choose their state withholding percentage. Options are 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5% of gross taxable wages. If you don't file one within five days of starting a job, your employer withholds at the default 2.0%.
How A-4 Differs From Federal W-4
The federal Form W-4 uses filing status, dependents, and other adjustments to calculate withholding from IRS tables. Arizona's A-4 is much simpler — you pick one flat percentage, and your employer multiplies that percentage by your gross taxable wages each pay period. There are no dependents, allowances, or brackets involved in Arizona withholding itself.
Which Percentage Should You Choose?
Arizona's actual flat income tax rate is 2.5%. Choosing a withholding percentage close to or at 2.5% keeps your withholding aligned with your real tax liability. Choosing a lower percentage means smaller deductions from each paycheck but a larger balance due (or smaller refund) when you file; choosing a higher percentage does the opposite. This isn't tax advice — consider your full financial picture or consult a tax professional before choosing.
What Happens If You Don't File an A-4?
If you don't submit a completed A-4 within five days of starting a new job, Arizona law requires your employer to withhold at the default 2.0% rate. You can change your election at any time by submitting a new A-4 to your employer.
Compare Withholding Percentages
Use the Arizona A-4 dropdown in the calculator below to see how each percentage changes your take-home pay.
Estimated net pay per pay period
$1,892
- Gross pay
- $2,308
- Federal income tax
- − $193
- Arizona withholding
- − $46
- Social Security
- − $143
- Medicare
- − $33
Effective tax rate
18.0%
Take-home percentage
82.0%
| Frequency | Gross | Net |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | $1,154 | $946 |
| Biweekly | $2,308 | $1,892 |
| Semimonthly | $2,500 | $2,050 |
| Monthly | $5,000 | $4,099 |
| Annually | $60,000 | $49,190 |
What if your salary increased?
- $65,000$53,108/yr net
- $70,000$56,675/yr net
- $75,000$60,093/yr net
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentages can I choose on Arizona Form A-4?+
You can choose 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5% of your gross taxable wages, plus an optional additional flat dollar amount per paycheck.
What is the default Arizona withholding percentage?+
If you don't submit Form A-4 within five days of starting a job, your employer must withhold at the default rate of 2.0%.
Can I choose 0% Arizona withholding?+
Yes, 0.0% is one of the available elections on Form A-4, meaning no Arizona tax is withheld from your paycheck. You would still owe Arizona income tax when you file your return unless covered by an exemption.
Can I change my A-4 election later?+
Yes — you can submit a new Form A-4 to your employer at any time to change your withholding percentage going forward.
Related: Arizona Income Tax · How Much Tax Is Taken Out?
Tax year 2026 · Data reviewed 2026-08-15 · See methodology and sources. Estimates only — not tax or legal advice.