averie_eve OP t1_iu8wfls wrote on October 29, 2022 at 1:54 PM

So basically it's because I haven't made much, and I claim dependents, and file head of household? Once I make over a certain amount, they will start withholding federal taxes?

I'm just confused because each job I've had prior to this withheld federal starting with my first paycheck. I made even less at those jobs than I do now. However, I wasn't filing head of household, or claiming dependents- eventually started claiming my oldest, still had federal taxes withheld, but during that time I was consistently working/employed, and filing single. So I think this makes sense to me, just want to make sure I'm understanding correctly .

MarcableFluke t1_iu8ymlq wrote on October 29, 2022 at 2:12 PM

>Once I make over a certain amount, they will start withholding federal taxes?

No. Withholdings are spread out evenly over the year. If they aren't taking any out now, they won't be taking any out unless you change your W-4 or get a big raise. $14 per hour full time is less than $30k a year. Someone making $30k per year with two kids doesn't pay federal income tax. So nothing is withheld for it.

A single person making $30k a year with no kids does pay income tax, which is why there were withholdings from your previous job.

Bad_DNA t1_iu8zcw5 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 2:18 PM

Yes -- once you make above the taxable threshold, the system will withhold. Your prior employers may have calculated a bit differently due to your other filing statuses. Note: withholding and getting it all back in April is a BAD idea -- it means you gave the government an interest-free loan on that money where YOU could have been earning interest. Always try to zero out on the balance between sufficient withholding to pay the taxes you'll have to pay and not over-paying. Good for you for checking on it so you don't get clobbered with an unexpected tax bill in April. Here's the other side: Getting a refund isn't a good thing -- it means someone didn't do their math.

rnelsonee t1_iu94co1 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 2:55 PM

>Yes -- once you make above the taxable threshold, the system will withhold.

OP seems to be asking once they make a certain amount in a year, will withholding start. The answer is no. Withholding is based on annualized income, so it depends on the paycheck amount × the number of pay periods. In other words, it's based on the pay rate, not the amount earned so far (otherwise, everyone would get tax free paychecks in January thanks to the standard deduction).

Like HoH with 3 kids means you need $75k to have tax liability. If OP makes say , $3,000 per biweekly paycheck (>$75k) they will have withholding from the first paycheck (as opposed to $0 withheld and then a big chunk on their last paycheck).

Bad_DNA t1_iuag5te wrote on October 29, 2022 at 8:37 PM

Thanks -- yes. I like your wording - much more accurate. Mine was confusing.