I'm starting a new job. can I claim 2 dependents if I'm single?

Question

I'm starting a new job. can I claim 2 dependents if I'm single? Can I claim more?

How do I go about doing this on my W-4?

Answer 1

Take the advice and claim Single with 0 dependents. As far as claiming more, your Human Relations Department will not allow you to claim more dependents than you have, or what you said you had on your employment application. If you are a single parent with 2 children then you can legally claim 2 dependents. I do believe it is an IRS regulation that you can not claim more dependents than you are legally allowed to claim. Do not mess with the IRS.

Answer 2

You can claim as many as you like. However, at a certain level the IRS needs to give approval (10 or more I believe). Look at the W-4 and follow the instructions. You could if you wish claim single and 0. At this level the maximum amount of tax gets taken out. For some this works as they may get a higher amount as a tax refund. They use it as a way to save. Remember that you can change during the year. Most companies will allow you to change check with HR. There may be other factors affecting you(owning a house ,when did you start the new job, did you have another job this year, etc.) so your best bet would be to check with an accountant or a tax preparer. This is a long way of saying in my opinion single and 2 is a safe way to go. Hope this helps

Answer 3

Wow, there truly are some terrible answers that people post here. Yes, you sure can claim 2 dependents if you're single on your W-4. You can claim as many as you want. The W-4 does not get turned over to the IRS unless specifically requested. The only way they're going to request it is during an audit, and even then it's doubtful.

The W-4 is used to figure out how much taxes to the employer should withhold on your checks. The more you dependents you claim, the less money your employer will withhold for you. So, if for some reason you believe your tax liability this year will be very low, then you can use the W-4 to figure out how many dependents to claim to reduce your tax to pay in so that you're not overpaid to the IRS.

This whole debate about "why would you want to" blah blah is a moot topic. There's tons of reasons of why he might do this or do that. Some people like receiving refunds, others would rather write a check to the IRS (and it's not like the refund is someone else's money, it's yours that the government has been holding for you, interest-free, how nice of them). Of course, most people in this country aren't disciplined enough to actually save the extra money from their checks, so they have the government do it for them 'forcing' them to save, which is better then not.

And the person who noted that if you claim over 10 it would be reported to the IRS, they got rid of that (see link below).

If you're still confused, check out IRS Publication 919 (linked below). It's pretty easy to read and explains everything.

Answer 4

When filling out your w-4, you can claim whatever you want. If you're single with no kids then you have to claim one on your tax return. Unless someone else can claim you.
The more people you claim on your w-4 the more money you'll get each week but the chances that you'll have to pay in at the end of the year are larger.
I recommend going single - 0....you're gonna get less during the year but a bigger chunk of change when it's time to do your taxes.

Answer 5

My turn to take a shot at this. Those people who say you can claim whatever you want on your W4 are correct. You can pretend you have four kids, and nobody will come after you for that. This will mean you are having less tax taken out of your check.
You can also have MORE taken out of your check, either by claiming fewer exemptions, or by asking the employer to take out an additional dollar amount from every pay.
If you go with having less taken out, there is some possibility you will have to write a check at the end of the year. Let's pretend for a moment you don't have a problem with that. Good. BUT, if you haven't paid in throughout the year, and this happens for more than one year, and it is for a decent amount of money, you're going to wind up paying a penalty to the IRS, and that is something to avoid.
With more information, I can give better advice. Do you want a large refund? Would you like a zero balance, meaning you've paid in exactly what you have to? (Hard to do exactly, but I can usually get you pretty darn close). Or do you want to write a check, and you're willing to risk the penalties? Of course, my comeback to someone who wants a big refund is usually this. "Take an amount (whatever you want) out of every pay. Put it in a savings account, cookie jar, locked safe, whatever. Then, when you file your tax return, take it out! YOU earn the interest, YOU have access to your money when you need/want it, and YOU control what it is spent on, not the Federal Government.
I'd love to help you figure this, but I'd need amounts and personal info, and I don't suggest you give this to someone online. If you'd like, I'd be happy to hook you up with a tax pro in your area. My company will help you out at no charge if you file with us, and lots of times even if you don't. Feel free to contact me with further questions.

Answer 6

Don't give the governement an interest loan claim as many dependants that you are allowed and qualified. People who but 0 down need to get a life and learn how to save and budget instead of giving Uncle Sam an interest free loan (ie A refund check).

Answer 7

You can actually enter anything you want on your W-4 form. But be careful, 2 dependents will result in less taxes being taken out of your wages, and depending upon your REAL tax situation and REAL number of dependents it could put you at greater risk of owing when it comes time to file your tax return.

You must enter the correct number of dependents when you file your actual tax return.

Answer 8

IF you have a legal right to claim them when you file your taxes, yes.
Otherwise, no.
Just put the number of dependants in the box on the form.
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I wouldn't claim 0 just to get a bigger refund.
Why in the world would anyone give the Government an interest free loan?

Answer 9

For the most advantageous approach towards tax withholding as a single, claim 0 dependents. This gives you a higher taxable income, which sounds bad I know, but it prevents you from owing taxes at the end of the year when you file. It will also increase your chances of receiving a refund.

Answer 10

As a single person , you may claim 2 dependents only if you
have extra taxable deduction like big mortgage deduction.