Do I Claim Zero, One, Two W-4 Allowances?

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;

  1. how much tax will be taken from your income (aka the withholding amount)
  2. 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:

  1. Fill out your personal information (Name, Date of Birth, Address, Marital Status)
  2. Know the number of personal and dependency exemptions you are claiming on your tax return.
  3. Based on the number from step 2, use that number to help determine your number of allowances.
  4. 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!

 

Get Your Refund

 

Being aware of the number of allowances you are claiming on a Form W-4 is important to control your income.

1,551 Replies to “Do I Claim Zero, One, Two W-4 Allowances?”

  1. Hi, I am single living with my parents (I help hem with bills) and work full time. My parents do not claim me in their taxes. How many allowances or dependents would be ideal to claim on my w-4 to be able to get an okay refund but also that they don’t take much from my pay check? This year i barely got anything back and owed $8 to the state of California. all my siblings got a good refund and only worked a couple months last year.

    Thank you

  2. Hi, I’m a freelancer (sole proprietor) who usually works with 1099s and fills out a schedule C each year with business expenses. Last year was a bad year, and I ended up owing no taxes. This year is looking similar. I’m about to take a 3 day (DAY) gig where I will fill out a W-4. I am single with no dependents. Is there a way that I can fill it out to have little to no taxes taken out (because I will need that money this year/now.) Thanks!

  3. Hi there! I am quite sure that this question may have already been answered in the long train of questions and comments.

    I have already figured out that a married couple with a child should not claim 3 allowances on both form W-4’s and the highest earning income should claim the majority of allowances. So my spouse makes the highest income and should claim 3 on his W-4. So how many should I claim on mine then? 1 or 2?

    Also, my spouse receives income through the National Guard, which is an additional W-4. How many allowances should he claim on his second W-4?

    We obviously want to avoid paying during tax time. Though a refund is also nice, we would be happy to just have it break as close to even as possible.

    Thank you!!

  4. Hello.
    We are married, and we both work. Is it correct if my husband (highest salary) claims 0 on W4 + additional deduction resulting from table Two-Earners/Multiple Jobs Worksheet? 0 results from the Two-Earners/Multiple Jobs Worksheet for him.
    Also, I should claim 0, but with no additional deduction, since I have the lowest salary, correct?
    What about the DE4? I put 0 allowances, and he put 2 allowances + additional deductions resulting from Worksheet C.
    Thanks.

  5. I may have done something wrong on the allowances worksheet but I’m not sure, so I am filing as head of household and I added everything up , which in total is 6, but I just feel like that sounds like too many after reading over this page. Is that a normal amount of allowances for someone who is claiming head of household with a spouse and 2 dependents??

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