The Maryland W4, also known as Form MW507, is an Employee Withholding Exemption Certificate designed for Maryland state government employees. This document allows workers to specify the amount of income tax to be withheld from their paychecks. By accurately completing this form, employees help ensure that the right amount of state tax is withheld, matching their tax liability as closely as possible.
All Maryland state government employees are required to complete the Form MW507. Whether you're starting a new job or need to update your withholding allowances due to changes in your personal or financial situation, this form plays a critical role in managing your state income tax withholding.
To accurately determine the number of exemptions you should claim, you can use the Personal Exemption Worksheet provided on page 2 of the Form MW507. This worksheet will guide you through calculating the total number of exemptions based on factors such as your filing status, dependents, and other qualifying criteria.
Can I claim exemption from Maryland withholding?
Yes, you may claim exemption from Maryland withholding if you meet specific criteria. For instance, if you did not owe any Maryland income tax last year and received a full refund of all withheld income tax, and you expect the same situation for the current year, you can claim exempt status. This situation is common for seasonal and student employees whose annual income falls below the minimum filing requirement.
Nonresidents working in Maryland should pay close attention to Section 1's county of residence requirement and the exemptions available under Sections 3 and 4. If you're domiciled in a state like Virginia or Pennsylvania but don't maintain a residence in Maryland, or if you live in a local Pennsylvania jurisdiction without an earnings or income tax for Maryland residents, you may be eligible to claim exemption from Maryland state or local tax withholding.
Is there a specific section for military spouses?
Yes, Section 8 of the Form MW507 is specifically designed for military spouses. If you're a legal resident of another state and not subject to Maryland withholding due to the protections offered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, you can claim exempt status in this section.
If you do not submit a completed Form MW507, the state of Maryland may end up withholding state income tax at a higher rate. This is because, in the absence of a filled-out form specifying your withholding allowances, the default withholding rate is applied, which might not accurately reflect your tax situation.
Can I adjust my withholding allowances at any time?
Yes, you have the flexibility to adjust your withholding allowances on the Form MW507 at any time. It's recommended to review and update your withholding allowances whenever there's a significant change in your personal or financial circumstances to ensure the correct amount of tax is being withheld.
For more detailed guidance or assistance with your Form MW507, you can visit the official website of the Comptroller of Maryland at
www.marylandtaxes.gov
. Additionally, the website offers access to forms, worksheets, and resources to help accurately complete your withholding certificate.