My girlfriend works for a company that operates multiple restaurants. She got her W-2 recently and noticed that the federal taxes withholding was very low. She didn't think much more about it until one of her coworkers noticed the same thing and asked for a copy of her W-4 only to find the exceptions on the form she had filled out had been changed drastically. They asked a few of their other coworkers and each have all noticed this. They know of five instances so far, and haven't asked any one else. In once case, a lady had claimed 4 exemptions on her form and it had been changed to 14. My girlfriend requested a copy of her W-4 and noted where she had claimed 1, along with an extra amount each pay period. The 1 she had entered had the number 3 written over it in obviously a different handwriting and pen.
I don't know what possible motivation an employer would have for doing this, but it appears to be systemic with them, and certainly fraudulent. These employees are going to end up owing on their returns as a result.
My question is, what recourse or remedy do employees have for this? And what next steps should they take? Who should they reach out to?
Appreciate any guidance anyone can offer.
I don't know what possible motivation an employer would have for doing this, but it appears to be systemic with them, and certainly fraudulent. These employees are going to end up owing on their returns as a result.
My question is, what recourse or remedy do employees have for this? And what next steps should they take? Who should they reach out to?
Appreciate any guidance anyone can offer.
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