I'm on H1B, married (spouse doesn't work on H4), 3 children, income below the w4 mentioned rate for married filing jointly so can apply for tax credit. The total allowances work out as Married / 11. Does this sound right?

Under special IRS rules, foreign workers cannot claim MORE than TWO allowances on their W-4s, even though you are married with 3 chiilren.

The IRS intent is to ensure that sufficient taxes are withheld from your salary to cover any income tax liability and to prevent you from earning the income, then returning to your home country without paying the taxes due.

So, to be legal, claim MARRIED with TWO allowances.

Hi
Today I went to consult an accountant, and it appears that are NO any special IRS rules that AtlantaExpert claims on all the boards.
You can claim your 11 allowances.
Regards.

The accountant is WRONG, and is likely NOT familiar with international tax issues.

The rule exists, though, admittedly, enforcement is spotty at best. If you want to claim 11 allowances, go ahead.