First Job? H&R Block Answers 6 Common Tax Questions
1. I make minimum wage at my job on the golf course. What's withheld?
The amount of money withheld from each paycheck can come as a surprise to first-time filers. Generally, employers are required to deduct and withhold:
-- Federal and state income taxes
-- Local taxes (if any)
-- Payroll taxes, such as Social Security (FICA) and Medicare, which
reduce a paycheck by 7.65 percent
Employers must send the taxes withheld to the appropriate taxing agency and match the amount of payroll taxes deducted on behalf of the employee.
2. I have to complete a W-4 for my new job. What should I put on the form?
The information submitted on the W-4 determines the amount of federal income tax withheld. So, employees should state the number of exemptions they're claiming and signify their withholding status of single, married or head of household. In general:
-- Claiming one allowance is adequate for young filers. -- If they want more money withheld, zero allowances should be claimed. -- A separate withholding statement should be completed for the state.
Remember, the more allowances claimed, the less tax withheld, resulting in what could be a bigger bill at tax time.
3. Do I have to file taxes?
Young single workers earning below $9,350 are not required to file a tax return. However, even if their income is below the filing threshold, they should still file a return to claim a refund of any taxes paid. Keep in mind:
-- Teenagers are typically claimed as dependents on their parents'
returns unless they earn enough to provide more than half their own
support.
-- If a teenager qualifies as a dependent, they can't claim a personal
exemption on their own return, even if their parents choose not to claim
that exemption.
-- For 2009, a dependent is entitled to a standard deduction of the
greater of $950, or earned income plus $300, but not to exceed $5,700.
4. Is anyone exempt?
In certain instances, a first-time filer may be exempt from income tax withholding. Exemption may be claimed if an employee didn't have a tax liability the year before and doesn't anticipate owing additional taxes for the current year.
Example: A high school student earned $2,000 working in an ice cream shop last summer. They withheld $100, had no federal tax liability and filed only to claim a refund on the $100 withholding.
If the student works again this summer, expects to make the same money and has no other sources of income, they can check the box on the W-4 claiming exemption from withholding for the year.
However, a dependent can't claim exemption from withholding if they have more than $300 of unearned income through sources such as interest and dividends.
5. I work in a restaurant and get tips for my job. Do I have to report these?
All tips received are subject to federal income tax. The value of any non-cash tips received, such as tickets or passes, also is taxable.
However, if the total tips received for a month are less than $20, these don't have to be reported to the employer that month -- but they're still taxable. A daily tip record should be kept and all tips reported to the employer so tips are accurately represented on the tax return.
6. I'm a budding entrepreneur with a lawn care business. Do I have to pay taxes?
As more young filers start their own businesses, it's critical they understand there's no tax break for youth. They have to meet the same filing obligations as their older counterparts.
-- Since there's no employer to withhold taxes in a paycheck, self-
employed individuals typically pay taxes by making quarterly estimated
payments.
-- In most cases, self-employed workers with income greater than $400,
must file a tax return and be responsible for the employee's and employer's
share of FICA and Medicare taxes.
To learn more about tax tips for first-time filers, visit www.hrblock.com.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services provider, having served more than 400 million clients since 1955 and generating annual revenues of $4.1 billion in fiscal year 2008. H&R Block provides income tax return preparation and related services and products via a nationwide network of approximately 13,000 company-owned and franchised offices and through TaxCut(R) online and software solutions. The company also provides business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.
SOURCE: H & R Block