Ok why did my employer withhold such a huge amount from my last paycheck?

Question

I left my job and had 2 checks coming. one for the last week I worked and one for vacation. 2 checks were depostited in my accout. There was a 2 hour difference in the time I work and my vacation hours available. One check was 424 and they withheld 18 incometax, the other check was 444 and they withheld $110!. This is going to call an additional hardship on me because that makes me 90 short on what I need to have half of my rent. Is there anyway to get my employer to refund some of that. I did not change my w4 or anything so there is no reason to take out 25%. I don't owe the irs or anything.

Does anyone else think that we should get the money we work for? If I had every penny I worked I would have 200 more dollars and would be able to pay my rent. I will get the withholding back but not until late january, which will be too late, and I will never get social security anyway as it will be gone by the time i'm 67.

Answer 1

There are too many variables.  What your current tax bracket is, your state's laws, your filing status, etc.  For the best possible answer I would contact the payroll/HR department of your former employer and get them to tell you the specific reason(s).

Answer 2

Not unheard of because bonuses and severance gets taxed at a higher rate.  I would consult the payroll department.  

As to taxes in general - yes the government is getting too big.  They are dealing with things they shouldn't welfare, social security.  What happened to personal responsibility.  

If we get Obama as president you may end up paying more for universal healthcare.  Don't believe me look at those nations that have it and find out how much they pay for it Canada for one.  Not to mention service is going to take a nose dive.  

Answer 3

NOT enough info to answer your query

Call the HR/payroll department and talk to them

It's the people who say they will be gone by the time that they're 67 and who save nothing for their retirement that the government ends up supporting with welfare, social security, medicare, medicaid, etc.

You are overextended and living beyond your means if this withholding makes you unable to pay your rent.  Hopefully your new job will help!

Answer 4

contact payroll dept and have a check stubs

also be able to show your missing hours