View Full Version : To get the most money back?
sunshine303
Jan 11, 2007, 08:36 AM
Will I get more money back if I claim 3 children instead of 2? Someone told me after 2 it does not matter.
Fr_Chuck
Jan 11, 2007, 08:42 AM
You legally claim the children you have and are suppose to use, to do other wise would be illegal.
Since you get a deduction off the gross per dependent, the more dependents the lower your adjusted wage will be.
** sorry Atlanta Tax if I used slag terms
ScottGem
Jan 11, 2007, 09:00 AM
I think you are mixing up withholding vs refunds. Yes, you get more of a refund if you claim 3 kids instead of 2 since there is a deduction for each child. But you can't legally claim kids you don't have.
You CAN, however, claim more exemptions on your W-4 form then you have kids. I have one child but claim 5 exemptions. This reduces the amount withheld from my paycheck.
I do this because I do not like the idea of loaning Uncle Sam money interest free and that's what withholding is. However, what this means is that I get a very small refund or even have to pay a small amount. If you underwithhold by a lot, you could be subject to penalties.
AtlantaTaxExpert
Jan 11, 2007, 06:32 PM
Both Fr Chuck and Scott Gem hit all the important issues. I ave nothing to add!