Exemptions?

Question

If on my W-2 The exemptions/allowances states federal:0, and state: 0, do I check the "Yourself" box under the exemptions box? It's confusing because it says, "if someone can claim you as a dependent, do not check 6a"--but if I check the box, I end up with 1 exemption. help!

hello Carl P,

Thanks for your response. I do mean on my w-2 receipt, I filed 0 for both federal and state. But when I file my tax form on 1040--do I claim myself on question 6a, or don't check the box so I end up with a "0" when I add the numbers up in the exemptions section?

Answer 1

You mean your W-4, not your W-2. Your W-2 shows what you selected on your W-4. What you put on your W-4 (and shows up on your W-2 sometimes) has NO consequense on how you fill out your 1040 line 6a. If someone can claim you, you need to leave 6a unchecked. If someone can't, then check it. If you are not sure if someone can claim you, read the instruction booklet that comes with your 1040, or go on-line at the link I provided and see Chapter 3 starting on page 25.

Answer 2

do not worry - claim zero. worse case is you pay a little too much tax upfront and get it back in the spring. I believe you mean the w4 form from the boss. The w2 is the receipt for a years work.
If your parents are claiming you - you still enter zero on the w4.
I am married with kids and claim zero plus and extra few bucks a payweek taken out for taxes as my wife does not have taxes taken out. This way at the end of the year we do not owe anything and sometimes get money back.


If no one else is claiming you claim one on the tax line for exemptions.

Answer 3

Unless you are the dependent of another taxpayer, you always claim yourself when you file.

What you claimed for withholding on your W4 has no bearing on your actual filing status or exemptions, it's only used to tell your employer how much tax to withhold.