W-4

[Lbrust]

If i list 5 dependents on my W-4 to get more money back throughout the year, can I still claim 5 dependents when I file my taxes to get the child tax credit? After filing last year I over paid by a lot when I had 0 dependents on my W-4, I am trying to find out how many dependents I need to claim on my W-4 to get closer to zero. 

[DoninGA]

What you select on the W-4 you give to your employer to withhold federal income taxes from your wages is not relevant whatsoever to what you enter on your tax return for Filing Status or dependents.

If you have a dependent child to claim on your tax return you enter their information in the My Info section of the TurboTax online program.

[Opus 17]

Your tax return must be filed correctly according to what actually happened during the year, including marital status, dependents, credits and deductions.  Your w-4 is simply a way for you and your employer to estimate the tax you will owe so it can be withheld.  Nothing you put in the W-4 is binding.  The best way to fill out a W-4 is to follow all the instructions and worksheets for your situation (it's a 4 page document even though the employer only needs the first page, the other pages are worksheets and instructions).  Or use this IRS calculator to get a recommendation.  What you eventually claim depends on all your situations, including marital status, having more than one job or a spouse that works, dependents and their ages, and any other unusual tax situations.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

[DawnC]

Yes, you can always claim your qualifying dependents on your tax return, no matter what you put on your W-4.