What is indicated on Line 4 of Form W-2?

Line 4 of Form W-2 specifically reports the amount of Social Security tax that has been withheld from an employee's earnings during the tax year. This is an important line as it helps both the employee and the IRS track the contributions made toward Social Security, which is vital for future benefits including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

The amount shown on this line contributes to the overall calculation that impacts an individual's eligibility and the amounts they receive from Social Security programs in the future. By accurately reporting this withheld amount, it ensures that employees receive proper credit for their contributions.

For other items, local wages are reported in a different section of the form, estimated taxes are not shown on W-2 at all, and dependent care benefits have their own designated areas. Therefore, Line 4 strictly pertains to Social Security tax withheld, highlighting its significance in the context of employee income and tax reporting.