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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 5:54:50 PM

I am a single mother of 2, and I only have 1 job.How many exemptions should I claim on my w-4?

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Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:54:50 PM
2 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:54:50 PM
New Member
May 31, 2019 5:54:52 PM

There is more to this question then meets eye.   Much of this question needs to be answered with what your goal is and what your tax liability will be.   For instance,  if you have calculated that you will not have a tax liability at all,  you could file as head of household  status, with 9 exemptions, that should make your withholding pretty close to zero.   On the other end of the spectrum if you believe your tax liability is greater than what your withholding is, you can adjust your filing status, exemptions and even designate an additional amount you want withheld from every paycheck to meet your tax liability needs and goals.   The issue of your filing status is another question in and of itself and is a very  difficult area to interpret of the tax code.   Since you can't estimate your tax liability without knowing your filing status, that is the first question you need an answer for.   There's even a possibility if you qualified in the past that you might be able to amend prior tax returns so that you can take advantage of the head of household filing status and apply for a refund if you qualify. There is additional info needed to answer the filing status question.  I fear that I have opened up more questions than you thought you had to answer.   Since we are approaching the end of the year there's probably not enough time to  make up any deficiencies before the end of the year.   This should be able to get you started in the right direction.