Q. If I don't claim one exemption this year do I lose the exemption or can I claim that next year.
A.The number you claimed on your WH-4 (and federal W-4) is just an estimate. You don't enter it anywhere on your actual tax return. It does not lock you in on what you can claim, at tax filing time. The IRS and the state do not try to match that number with the actual tax forms
