• AA5B@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    edit-2
    10 months ago

    I’d argue that it’s perfectly fine to lie on those or to mark zero. It’s just a way to calculate tax withholding. If you follow it, you’re not likely to go wrong but if you don’t, it’s all on you

    • when you file taxes, you need to settle up, and that may be a shock if you haven’t withheld enough
    • there are rules for how much you had to have withheld, and that’s going to suck when they catch those fines
    • circuscritic@lemmy.ca
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      edit-2
      10 months ago

      There’s a HUGE difference between falsifying information (lying) on federal forms, and not having your employer withhold taxes on your paycheck.

      • The first option is federal criminal offense
      • The second option isn’t
      • AA5B@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        edit-2
        10 months ago

        IRS FAQs for W-4 say both that it’s not mandatory and how they’ll treat it if you just sign and return as in the example

        I don’t believe a W-4 ever goes to the IRS, it just tells your employer how much in taxes to withhold from your pay. IRS doesn’t care, until it’s time to file taxes, then you’d better have complied with all tax regulations