What should I claim on my W-4?

Question

Part-time job, full time student. My mom claims me on her tax return. But I live with my bf in our apartment, pay for the rent, etc.... I want MORE in my checks now rather than a big tax return. Should I claim 0 , 1 , or 2?

Answer 1

Shes right, if you arent living with her she cant claim you on her return. If you want more in your paychecks then you claim more exemptions. The downfall to that is depending on your tax situation, you could end up owing if not enough is withheld.

Answer 2

Based upon the information given, you should be claiming yourself on your tax returns unless there is more that was not provided.

In any case, you can claim one exemption for every $3400 in deductions that you plan on having. If you don't itemize (again based upon the information provided, you don't) you can claim either 2 or 3 if you can claim yourself on your taxes. If your mother can claim you, then you should only claim either 1 or 2. If you claim the higher number, then you will owe some money at tax time if you earned more than $5350 in 2007. Otherwise, you will have a small refund.

Answer 3

If your mom already claims you, you can not claim yourself! You need to choose zero on your w-4.


It does not matter whether you live with her or not, if you are a full time student then she can claim you.

Answer 4

Choose zero. But there's another question - if you aren't living with your mom any more, she isn't allowed to claim you unless you live with her for over half the year.

Answer 5

mom claims you on her tax return
then you cannot claim yourself also
http://www.hrblock.com/taxes/fast_facts/tax_faq_list.jsp?source=&category=1&subCategory=20&subcategory_name=Dependents