Make sure your dependent meets the IRS requirements. Generally, the IRS requires that the child is under the age of 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student), lives with you for more than half the year, and does not provide more than half of their own financial support.
A dependent is a person for whom you provide more than half of their support. Dependents will usually have to either be related to you or live with you for the entire year to qualify.
If you want to get close to withholding your exact tax obligation, then claim 2 allowances for both you and your spouse, and then claim allowances for however many dependents you have (so if you have 2 dependents, you'd want to claim 4 allowances to get close to withholding your exact tax obligation).
The rule is that if someone ``can'' claim you as a dependent, you must check the box. It is not, did or will someone claim you as a dependent. There is nothing that requires your parents to claim you as a dependent if you qualify, they will just be giving up a $500 credit (potentially).
On your W-4 Form you claim allowances, which your employer uses to calculate the tax withheld from your paycheck. The number of dependents you have factors into your overall W-4 allowances. Many people simply count their family members and put that number down as the number of allowances on W-4 Form!
A dependent is a qualifying child or relative who relies on you for financial support. To claim a dependent for tax credits or deductions, the dependent must meet specific requirements. Answer questions to see if you can claim someone as a dependent on your tax return.
The number of dependents is, mathematically speaking, the number of people who are in your immediate family. (It might include your husband/wife, your children, and your (grand)parents.)
The child must be: (a) under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), (b) under age 24 at the end of the year, a full- time student, and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), or (c) any age if permanently and totally disabled.
Total Dependents - Indicates total dollar amount for dependents claimed. Other Income - Indicates tax withheld for other income. This may include interest, dividends, and retirement income.
The child must be: (a) under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), (b) under age 24 at the end of the year, a full- time student, and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), or (c) any age if permanently and totally disabled.