And no...changing you exemptions does not reduce their out-of-pocket tax payments....they only have to match the box 4 and box 6 $$ amounts, and those aren't changed t all on the figures you show.
The employer does not match your box 2 amounts.....whether they withhold more for box 2, and pay that for you directly to the IRS, or withhold less in box 2 and end up paying you more with each paycheck during the year....is wash for them as far as their books are concerned.
What needs to match on your W-2, is the actual yearly total amounts noted for each tax type on your paystubs (if you get paystubs with each paycheck).
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
