Can the government collect taxes out of my paycheck?

Question

I am 16 years old, will start a job soon at Target and I was wondering if I will start of with getting paid 7.50 per hour, can they take taxes out of my paycheck? If so, how much.

I live in New York State.

Answer 1

Yes, at a minimum they'll take 7.65% of each paycheck for social security and medicare. Whether you owe federal income tax will depend on how much you make total, not your hourly wage, so there's no way to answer that part.

Whether you'll owe state or local taxes depends on where you live - since you didn't say, nobody can answer that either.

Answer 2

To be overly literal, the government can't take anything out of your paycheck. They can, and do, require your employer to withhold taxes for them.

Judy's answer is the best I see about actual amounts.

Answer 3

You need to fill out a W-4 with Target. This is an IRS form which directs your employer to withhold money from your check. Some will recommend you write EXEMPT across the form, which means no money will be withheld. I would recommend you claim one dependent (yourself) so that some money is withheld each payday.

Answer 4

Of course they can, and of course they will. They will project what your annual income would be at that wage, and they will take the appropriate percentage of tax. Since you are probably still in school, you'll not work enough hours to be making enough to be taxable, so you will have to file your tax statement, and you should get a tax refund.

Answer 5

Yes, you have to pay taxes and the amount will depend on the state you live in.

Answer 6

Only if you did not write 'Exempt' on your W2 form. If you did not write Exempt then they will/can deduct taxes. Check with your HR dept. and ask them what's on your W2; if it's not there request it back and put Exempt on your W2; they'll show you where on the form to place it.