How many (max) exemptions can I claim on my w-4, I have 3 kids and a wife that stays at home?

Answer 1

You can claim as many as needed to have the correct amount of tax withheld. For someone in your situation that generally would be Married and 5 or 6 withholding exemptions.

However, if you have significant itemized deductions it may be entirely appropriate to claim more than that.

Alternatively if you have other sources of income that is not subject to withholding (interest income, stock dividends, capital gains, etc.) you may want to claim fewer exemptions to ensure that you don't have a large tax bill at the end of the year.

In the past, employers were required to send copies of Form W4 to the IRS if any employee claimed 10 or more withholding exemptions. That has changed now. Employers are required to notify the IRS if they suspect tax fraud of any type regardless of the number of exemptions claimed.

Answer 2

For withholding purposes you can claim as many as you want 10 or so. When you actually file the return you have 5, you, your wife, plus three kids. Warning though, the more you claim on your w4 the less tax will be withheld from your paycheck and you might wind up owing money come April 15th.

Answer 3

i think 5 would be the max to claim...