This week’s question comes from Gabrielle, an office manager. I noticed that my federal income tax withholding increased for my first check of 2011 as compared to my last check of 2010. Several of my co-workers noticed the same thing. I thought the tax cuts were extended. Why did my federal income tax withholding go up in 2011? Answer: The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (2010 Tax Act) did extend lower marginal rates for many taxpayers and some taxpayers will see lower federal withholding.

Expiration of Making Work Pay Credit Will Increase Withholding for Many

The expiration of the Making Work Pay credit meant an adjustment in the withholding tables that results in increased federal withholding for many taxpayers. Since taxpayers no longer may claim the Making Work Pay credit on their tax returns, the withholding tables have been adjusted

Taxpayers May File an Amended Form W-4 to Adjust Federal Withholding

Employees may complete a revised 2011 Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate or its Spanish equivalent, Formulario W-4(SP), Certificado de Exención de la Retención del Empleado, to adjust their federal withholding for 2011.

Many Taxpayers Have Reduced Social Security Tax Withholding

For taxpayers subject to social security tax withholding, the 2010 Tax Act reduced the rate of withholding in 2011 from 6.2% to 4.2%. This reduced withholding will generally result in higher net pay as it will more than offset the increase in federal income tax withholding.

Vision Payroll Has Implemented New Withholding Tables

Vision Payroll has already updated its tax tables and will calculate both the reduced Social Security and updated federal income tax withholding for all 2011 paychecks.