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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 9:17:34 PM

What number to write on line 5 of the W-4

I'm starting a new job....part-time.....no more than 20 hrs.....maybe some overtime....pay rate: $12.......Last year (different job) was my first time filing taxes and I filed as Head of Household (Me and my Mother as dependents). My living situation has not changed this year, nor will it change. If I write '0' on line 5, the IRS wont have access to my money all year, which I can invest and use for myself. If I write '2' I'll get a tax refund, correct? What is the best thing to do? I'm young and want to start making the most out of my earnings. Thank you : )

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1 Replies
Intuit Alumni
May 31, 2019 9:17:36 PM

It's the other way around. Putting zero, your employer will take more than if you put two. If you are interested, below is a 2016 table for withholding. Look for the Wage Bracket Method Tables for Income Tax Withholding in Chapter 17.

www.irs.gov/publications/p15/ar02.html