Final answer:
The correct response to the employee who doesn't want payroll taxes withheld is option C, stating that all employees are subject to payroll tax withholding. Employers must withhold taxes for Social Security and Medicare as part of federal employment tax laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
When John, a new employee, arrives at the orientation program and brings his W-4 form stating he isn't subject to payroll withholding because he pays his taxes directly each quarter, the correct response is C. "Unfortunately, all employees are subject to payroll tax withholding." This is because, in the United States, employers are required by law to withhold payroll taxes from their employees' wages, which include taxes for Social Security and Medicare, commonly known as FICA taxes. The payroll tax withholding system serves as an advance payment of income tax, as well as other contributions.
An employee typically pays 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare from their paycheck, with the employer matching an equal amount aside from any state or local taxes that must be collected. While self-employed individuals or independent contractors who receive a 1099 tax statement are responsible for paying both the employee and employer sides of these taxes, traditional employees cannot opt out of this payroll withholding.
Therefore, receiving a W-4 form from an employee is standard procedure, and the company's accountants or HR representatives would process the form to ensure compliance with tax regulations, regardless of whether an employee makes quarterly tax payments on their own.