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Is it a bad idea to claim exempt status on one paycheck?
Anonymous2 views2 answers
My gross income for last year was approximately $ 23 , 000 . I am at the same job making the same income . I am single with no children . I claim a one ( myself ) on my W4 . However I will be receiving a bonus check on my next pay period and most of my colleagues have suggested I claim exempt status so that my bonus check is not affected . Is it okay for me to claim exempt status for a single pay period and then go back to claim a one for the rest of the year ? What consequences would I be liable to if I do this ?
Gregory Philip BowesCriminal Defense AttorneyIndianapolis, IN ·
There is a penalty if you do not withhold enough of your wages. Generally, you have no penalty if this year you withhold at least as much as the tax you paid in the prior year, or if you owe no more than 10% more than what was withheld. You also have an obligation to be truthful when you fill out your W4 form. IRS Publication 505 talks about these problems, and can be viewed at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p505/ch04.html.
Mr. Bowes has given you good advice. Yes it is OK to have nothing withheld on any one particular check. However, as explaiend by Mr. Bowes, you will have a penalty if your total withholding for the year is inadequate.
