What is the difference between W-4 forms and W-2 forms?

Form W-2 is Wage and Tax Statement. Employers are required to file Form W-2 for each employee paid wages that had tax (income, social security, Medicare) withheld. Employees are required to attach Form W-2 to their tax return if their filing a paper return.

Form W-4 is Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Its purpose is to guide your employer to withhold the correct federal income tax from your earnings. The employer keeps Form W-4 for his records.