A new job often comes with paperwork—and questions about what you need to fill in. Here’s how to approach the federal W-4 and Maryland MW507, plus what to consider if you still need to file older tax returns.
A member of our community recently asked for help understanding two forms required for new jobs: the federal Form W-4 and Maryland’s Form MW507. They had started more than one job, had some self-employment income, and wanted to know which parts of the forms applied. They also wondered whether modest income meant they could skip filing tax returns for 2023 and 2024.
Here are their questions, followed by our response.
“What do I put on my W-4?”
Form W-4 tells an employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. You submit a separate W-4 to each employer. The amount withheld can affect whether you receive a refund or owe tax when you file.
Step 1 is for your personal information and filing-status selection. Step 5 is where you sign and date the form. Complete Steps 2 through 4 only when they apply to your situation.
- Step 2 is for people with more than one job at the same time, or for someone who is married and filing jointly with a working spouse. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can account for income from multiple jobs and self-employment. If it recommends amounts for Steps 3–4(b), those adjustments are generally most accurate on the W-4 for the highest-paying job.
- Step 3 is for eligible dependent and other tax credits.
- Step 4(a) can account for certain income not subject to withholding. Step 4(b) can account for deductions beyond the standard deduction. Step 4(c) lets you request additional withholding from each paycheck.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is especially useful if you start work partway through the year, have multiple jobs, or have self-employment income. Have recent paystubs and records of other income and tax payments handy. The estimator is for federal withholding; it does not calculate Maryland withholding. The IRS explains how to use the estimator and when to check your withholding.
“What about Maryland’s MW507?”
Maryland’s Form MW507 tells your employer how much Maryland income tax to withhold. Complete your personal information, county, and filing-status information first. If you work in Maryland but live outside the state, read the form instructions about which county to enter.
- Line 1 is the number of Maryland withholding exemptions you calculate using the worksheet on page 2. Don’t claim the same exemption at more than one job.
- Line 2 is for any additional Maryland tax you want withheld each pay period.
- Line 3 is an exemption from Maryland withholding and applies only if you owed no Maryland income tax last year and expect to owe none this year.
- Lines 4–8 are for specific circumstances. Leave them blank unless the form’s instructions describe your situation.
The worksheet on page 2 explains how to calculate the number for Line 1. It includes an additional $1,000 exemption for a taxpayer or spouse who is blind or age 65 or older. Review the form’s instructions before entering an amount; this overview does not calculate anyone’s personal exemptions.
You can use the Maryland Comptroller’s Maryland withholding calculator to estimate state withholding. Find the current forms from the IRS and the Maryland Comptroller.
“Do I have to file returns for 2023 and 2024 if I earned less than $7,000?”
There isn’t one income figure that answers this for everyone. Federal filing requirements depend on factors such as your gross income, filing status, age, dependent status, and type of income. Adjusted gross income compared with the standard deduction is not, by itself, the filing test.
For context, the federal standard deduction base amounts were:
| Filing status | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Single or married filing separately | $13,850 | $14,600 |
| Head of household | $20,800 | $21,900 |
| Married filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse | $27,700 | $29,200 |
These are base amounts, not a personal determination of whether you had to file. Age, blindness, and dependent status can affect the calculation. Net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more can require a federal return even when other income is low. The IRS explains 2023 filing thresholds and other situations that may require a return, as well as the self-employment filing rule.
Even when you aren’t required to file, filing may be worthwhile if tax was withheld or you qualify for a refundable credit. Refund claims have time limits, so consider reviewing older years promptly. A qualified tax preparer or free tax-preparation program can help assess your circumstances. Maryland filing requirements are separate from federal requirements.
Check again when things change
If you start a job partway through the year, it can make sense to review your withholding now and again in January for the new tax year. Revisit it when your jobs, income, filing status, dependents, or other circumstances change. A large refund may mean too much was withheld from your pay; a large balance due may mean too little.
Tax forms can be intimidating, especially when their PDFs are difficult to use with assistive technology. A visual interpreter service like Aira, or a visual-assistance app such as Be My Eyes, may help you navigate a fillable PDF and enter the information you choose. These services can help with access, but they can’t choose your tax strategy. Use official instructions and calculators, and consult a qualified tax professional about your individual situation.
Have a personal-finance question? We welcome questions by email at pennyforward@pennyforward.com.
Penny Forward provides financial education, not individualized tax or legal advice. Tax rules can vary with your circumstances; consult official guidance or a qualified tax professional.
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