I think I am being illegally taxed...?

I am 15 and I live and work in Maryland. I claimed exempt on my W-4 form so I thought the only taxes that were allowed to be taken out of my paychecks were the social security taxes and the medicare taxes yet a few of my paychecks have all these taken out..... for a $242.90 total earnings before taxes i had these deductions... Federal Income Tax: $14.10 Employee Medicare: $3.52 Social Security Employee Tax: $15.06 MD State Income Tax: $8.80 Anne Arundel: $4.74 Total Taxes: $46.22 leaving me with a $196.68 check My most current check for $316.72 before taxes has these taken out... FICA: $24.23 FED WT: $21.48 MD ST: $19.04 Total: $64.75 Check after taxes: $251.97 is that legal? How do i fix it? other checks of mine only have social security and medicare taken out. thanks! I will not be making more than $5450 and my claim to being exempt are that I live with my parents I think. Anyways I am 15!

Public Comments

  1. I'm gonna guess that the problem started when you wrote "Exempt" on your W-4. Unless you provide a reason for being exempt, your employer is at liberty to ignore this, and withhold at the highest rate. Here's what to do: fill out a new W-4, and if you really expect that you will make less than $5450 this year, claim 4 exemptions. this should ensure that no funds are withheld for taxes. To get back the money already withheld, simply file a return next year. By the way, if you do make more that $5450, you may be liable for some tax, in which case you should have some withheld.
  2. Alternately if you have non-wage income (interest on college savings for example) of $300 or more, you also cannot claim exempt even if your wages are less than $5450. If you are paid biweekly, your w-4 has defaulted to single-0. Either they didn't process it or they chose to ignore it. If you income might go over $5450 (or there is the pesky interest income), use single 1.
  3. Yes, it is "legal." You are not eligible to claim "exempt." When you file your income tax return for 2008, all will be evened out. Ask your parents.
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