I wasn't too sure because I am currently claiming 0 on my paychecks but when I file taxes I claim my daughter. Am I supposed to have 1 on my paychecks? Will I get in trouble for havign 0 on my paychecks but 1 on my taxes. My daughter's father is claiming 1 on his pay checks but when he files she is on my taxes. So I was just wondering if I was supposed to switch my paycheck to 1 or keep it at 0. Thanks
What you claim for withholding purposes has nothing to do with how you will file your return.
Assuming that your daughter will be under age 17 as of the end of the year you can claim 3 allowances for her. This will result in more money in your paychecks and a smaller refund at filing time. If you're like most parents, having more money on payday was more important that a big refund at tax time.
There's no penalty in having too much money withheld from your pay, aside of course from having to wait a year or more for YOUR money!
The W-4 is an estimate, so the only issue is how much money is withheld.
When you file, the tax return is reality,
Take the numbers you expect to make for the year and use the IRS's withholding calculator to get a better number for the w-4 for the rest of the year.
One doesn't depend on the other.
If you legally claim your daughter on your April 15 return, then the only thing that claiming 0 on your paychecks will do is increase your chances of getting a refund.
You're OK, you are just having more withheld than you need to. You'll get the extra back as a refund when you file.