The last thing you want to do is frantically run up to your boss asking “How many allowances do I claim on my W-4?”.
Being aware of the number of allowances you are claiming on a Form W-4 [Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate] is important for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, the number of allowances you claim on a W-4 determines the following;
- how much tax will be taken from your income (aka the withholding amount)
- the size of your tax refund
Steps to filling out a W-4
You’ll need to follow four simple steps when filling out your W-4 Form:
- Fill out your personal information (Name, Date of Birth, Address, Marital Status)
- Know the number of personal and dependency exemptions you are claiming on your tax return.
- Based on the number from step 2, use that number to help determine your number of allowances.
- Don’t forget to sign the W-4 and turn it into your employer!
The allowances you claim while filling out a W-4 if you are single will differ from the allowances you claim if you are married or have kids.
Claiming zero allowances
- The maximum amount of tax is withheld. Meaning, when it comes time to file your tax return you will most likely receive a refund.
- You’re being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Claiming one allowance (ideal if you are single with one job)
- You’re single and have one job. Claiming one allowance will most likely result in a refund when you file your taxes.
Claiming two allowances
- You are single. Claiming two allowances will get you close to your tax liability but may result in tax due when filing your taxes.
- You’re single and work more than one job. Claim one allowance at each job or two allowances at one job and zero at the other.
- You’re married.
Claiming three allowances
- You are married with one child.
Claiming additional allowances
- File as head of household if you are eligible. You are able to claim additional allowances.
- You had at least $2,000 of child or dependent care expenses that you plan on claiming credit
- You’re eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit
Can I fill out a new W-4 form?
Yes, employees can submit a new W-4 form to their employee at any time during their employment. Have you recently started a second job, had a baby, or tied the knot? Life changes such as these should encourage you to update your W-4 withholding.
A great tool to help you while filling out a W-4 is the IRS Withholding Calculator, located on the IRS website.
Claiming zero allowances means less take home pay, but a bigger tax refund during tax season.
The number you report on a W-4 will ultimately determine your take home pay and your tax refund. Don’t write down any number. Take the few extra minutes to really assess your situation and fill in the W-4 accordingly. By doing so you’re less likely find yourself in a difficult financial situation.
Then, when you’re ready to file your taxes, you’ll have a heads up on whether or not you’ll be receiving a tax refund!
Hi , i need help on filling W4 form. I’m working as a contractor in US, and i married, but my wife is in india and no child. So how would i considered whether single or not? How many allowance i can eligible.
Hi Mohu,
This will depend on the residency of your wife. If she is considered a nonresident alien then you will check “single” on your W-4 form. Otherwise, you are considered “married for tax purposes”.
I am single, dependent, head of the household. The IRS allows me 3 allowances. Right now I am claiming 2, but am worried that I will have to pay come tax season. Should I keep my claims at 2 or lower it to 1?
Hi Devan,
Whether you claim one or two allowances, you will either pay taxes to the IRS with each paycheck or in one lump sum after filing. If your financial situation at the moment allows for more to be withheld from each paycheck, then you may want to consider claiming one allowance. DO keep in mind that come tax time, your tax due amount will be lowered by claiming a dependent.
I need advice. I single mother ( I have one son) and never have been married. I live with my boyfriend and I pay half the rent and half the food and mainly the one who takes cares of buying supplies to wash or cleaning and also anything I or my son needs.
I am trying to file a W-4 for my taxes but I don’t know what to put. Is there any advice I can get?
Hi Reyna,
The amount that you claim on your W-4 will mostly depend on who you will be claiming on your tax return come time to file. Based on the information you’ve provided above, I think it is safe to assume you will be claiming yourself and your son. With that in mind, it will probably be most beneficial for you to claim 2 allowances on your W-4 form. Keep in mind that if you feel that too much or too little is being withheld from your paychecks, you can always adjust your allowances to fit your lifestyle. The more allowances you claim, the less will be withheld from each paycheck but the smaller your refund will be come tax time.
Hi, I am trying to change my W-4 I currently am working two jobs but I would like to change my main job’s allowances number. I am currently Engaged my spouse is not working and I have a 10 month old child. Should I claim 2 or 3?
Hi Taylor,
Congratulations on the engagement!
You’ll first want to determine if you will be claiming your soon-to-be spouse as a dependent on your tax return. If you are only claiming your child, you should claim 2 allowances. If you are claiming your spouse and your child, you will most likely want to claim 3 allowances. Keep in mind that the more allowances you claim, the less is withheld from each of your paychecks throughout the year. This, in turn, could cause you to owe the IRS come tax time.
Another point to keep in mind is that with two jobs, it is most beneficial for you to claim the majority or all of your allowances at the full-time, higher income position.
Good Afternoon,
I am married with one child. My wife is currently not working but will be soon. I just wanted to know the total number of allowances i should claim.
Hi Oscar,
The amount you claim on your W-4 form now will depend on how you will file your taxes later. Seeing as your wife will be working soon, I am assuming that you will not be claiming her as a dependent on your tax return. Therefore, if you are only claiming your child, you will most likely want to claim two allowances on your W-4. In the case that you are claiming your wife and child, you should claim three allowances.