[1rudeboy]

Claim zero exemptions to maximize your take-home. Be prepared to write a check on April 15th.

If there are kids involved, be careful if you choose to claim them . . . if the mother does, prepare for a world of hurt.

[Errant]

Claim zero exemptions to maximize your take-home.

Uh, no.... You claim every exemption you are entitled to, to maximize your take-home pay...

[Ghost of SVR4]

Mother cannot. They live with me full time and that is easily verified. Thanks for the reply..

[MD Expat in PA]

Claim zero exemptions to maximize your take-home. Be prepared to write a check on April 15th.

Hum, no. Claiming zero exemptions on your W-4 will result in the most amount of federal taxes being withheld. The more withholding exemptions you claim on your W-4, the less amount of tax is withheld.

[DannyTN]

"Claim zero exemptions to maximize your take-home. Be prepared to write a check on April 15th."

1rudeboy is confused as usual. zero exemptions will maximize your tax withholdings, not your take-home. The more exemptions you claim the less tax withheld and the higher your take home.

You can download a W4 form and use the worksheet to help calculate how many exemptions you should claim.

However, the advice posted earlier about the ex is valid. In the absence of a legal agreement on how to split the tax credits, the person who gets to claim them is who the kids live with more than 50% of the time. And that needs to be documented.

[Mich Patriot]

"Claim zero exemptions to maximize your take-home. Be prepared to write a check on April 15th."

Not sure if serious, but that's backwards. Claiming zero exemptions means your taxable wage isn't reduced before the withholding is calculated. Therefore claiming zero INCREASES your taxes withheld, reducing your take-home pay but likely resulting in a refund.