How many exemptions should I claim in Ohio?
On Ohio's IT 4, a single filer with no dependents usually claims 1 and a married couple 2, plus one for each dependent. Each exemption takes $650 a year off the wages Ohio withholding is figured on. On a $60,000 salary paid every two weeks, one exemption more than that raises each paycheck by about $0.75. Claiming fewer means more withheld now and a bigger refund later.
How to count your exemptions on the IT 4
You enter 1 for yourself unless someone else can claim you, 1 for your spouse unless you are single or your spouse files separately, and the number of your dependents. The total is your exemption count, and each exemption takes $650 a year off the wages withholding is figured on.
There is no filing status on the IT 4, and Ohio uses one withholding schedule for everyone. The waiver section is only for specific cases like residents of nearby states and military spouses, not a general exempt claim.
If you never file an IT 4, or claim exemptions you aren't entitled to, your employer withholds with zero exemptions.
Ohio withholding by number of exemptions
Single filer earning $60,000 a year, paid every two weeks, federal W-4 with no adjustments. The highlighted row is the usual count for a single filer with no dependents.
| Exemptions | Ohio tax withheld | Take-home pay |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $55.07 | $1,883.00 |
| 1 | $54.33 | $1,883.75 |
| 2 | $53.58 | $1,884.50 |
| 3 | $52.83 | $1,885.25 |
| 4 | $52.08 | $1,885.99 |
| 5 | $51.34 | $1,886.74 |
Married couple on one $100,000 income, paid every two weeks:
| Exemptions | Ohio tax withheld | Take-home pay |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $101.07 | $3,157.00 |
| 1 | $100.33 | $3,157.75 |
| 2 | $99.58 | $3,158.50 |
| 3 | $98.83 | $3,159.25 |
| 4 | $98.08 | $3,159.99 |
| 5 | $97.34 | $3,160.74 |
Should you claim more or fewer?
Exemptions only change how much is withheld during the year. Your actual Ohio tax is settled on your state return. Claim more than you qualify for and you may owe at tax time. Claim fewer and you get the difference back as a refund. If you would rather keep the count simple, most forms also let you ask for an extra dollar amount from each paycheck.
The federal Form W-4 dropped allowances in 2020, so your federal and Ohio forms work differently. See how many allowances to claim and how to fill out a W-4. To see your own numbers, open the Ohio paycheck calculator and set the exemptions under the state form step.
Sources
Ohio Department of Taxation, Form IT 4 and Ohio Department of Taxation, 2026 percentage method tables. Withholding figures come from the same 2026 formulas the calculator uses; see how we calculate.