What you claim at work does not have to match your tax return.
You get an exemption for yourself and each person listed on your return. Each exemption is $4,050
1040 line 42
1040A line 26
Or for a 1040EZ the 4,050 is included on line 5 with the 6,300 standard deduction.
So for Single line 5 would be 4,050+6,300 = 10,350
For Married line 5 would be 8,100+12,300 = 20,700
