Need Tax advice for my 16 year old

[sundevilscott]

My 16 year old started a part time job at McDonalds. What is everyone's advice on what he should mark his W4? They had him mark it as exempt because he still lives at home. Do we end up paying his taxes at the end of the year or should I have him elect to take taxes out and have him pay it at the end of the year?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Russ Smith]

It depends on how many hours he works and how much he's expected to earn in a year.

I googled it and for 2011 I think they're saying under $9500 means tax exempt. Since your son started work in July, his employer was probably assuming he's going to earn less than 9500 this year so he can claim exempt.

He could just claim something and file taxes but if he's going to get it all back anyways, why pay the taxes monthly?

Way back when I started working the number was IIRC 3200 and the first year I knew I wasn't going to earn that(started like Sept making 3.35 an hour) so I claimed exempt that year and then changed it the next year.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

I'd say exempt for now.

He's only 16 so you're still going to claim him on your taxes, right?

 

[sundevilscott]

Yep I am going to claim him.