Hi there,
I recently started a new job that is based in Australia. I got my first full paycheck recently and they paychecks were a couple hundred dollars shorter than I was anticipating based on my salary, which makes me think i may be witholding the maximum amount of federal taxes, but I am unsure. When I filled out my W-4, i only indicated that I was "single." Everything else is left blank (outside of basic info asked). Unlike past W-4 forms, where there is clear place to list a 1 or 0 for allowances (line 5 in the 2019 version), it was not obvious to me on the 2022 form where to indicate how many allowances I would want. Would it be implied that I want 0 allowances if i didn't fill anything out on my current W-4? I want 1 for the allowances and not have the max amount of taxes withheld. I'd like to receive more money upfront in my paychecks. I am not sure where to do this on 2022 form. Can you help with this? My HR wasn't able help me with this since they are in Australia and not as familiar with american taxes. Thank you in advance!
The IRS made significant changes to the W-4 Form when the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law. This article explains these changes: The W-4 Form Changed in Major Ways - Here's What's Different. Unfortunately, you can no longer indicate the number of allowances you'd like to claim.
TurboTax provides a W-4 calculator: W-4 Calculator 2022 which will help you complete your W-4 for more take-home pay. And this article: What Is a W-4 Form? walks you through the steps of filling out the form.