• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

why does a recruiter ask for your last year's withheld tax amount?

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

jingramm

Senior member
They already know my salary, but they want this information as well.

They asked for "withholding tax amount", should I just provide the federal?
 
Respond with you don't recall, and ask why they want to know.

Could be one of a few things. They are checking to see if you were full of shit when telling them your currently salary; want to determine how many dependents you claimed (can then guess if you are married with kids which is illegal to ask).

Ask them why they want to know. Tell them you have your tax return information in a safety deposit box at the bank, and unfortunately will be unable to provide the information in a timely manner (since you work and can't get to the bank when they are open during the week).
 
I'd be very suspicious unless this is a rock solid recruiter who you are sure is legit. Otherwise, it is a great way for identity theft and income tax fraud. That is how you can access your prior tax documents online and electronically file; that is just weird.
 
I can't think of any reason this information would be useful to a recruiter or an identity thief.

At best, it might provide some idea what someone's previous salary was, but then again, it could be completely misleading for that purpose.

Baffling to me.
 
BUMP!

OK, after a year and a half, I finally have an offer. But like the OP, I am paranoid and mildly suspicious. They were insistent on what years I worked where, and when I graduated high school. They wanted me to change my resume from the current standard of Functional, to the no longer standard Chronological. They were especially keen to know when I graduated high school. We've just been over this in my current business 101 class and to the best of my knowledge such information is not necessary. It doesnt matter when I graduated and it can be used to tell how old I am. Granted, at 30 I dont think I really have to worry about age discrimination, it just bugs me that a recruiter NEEDS such info and a chronological resume on top of it. Its not important or relevant. And if they arent sure how well I know my material or suspect it was so long ago I forgot, they should just arrange a test as part of the interview process, WHICH I AM SURE THEY WILL DO ANYWAY! This just sounds like a way to stockpile data on me from the start, so if they ever need to cut back on personnel, they can just go through every little detail of my life and nitpick until they find something they can fire me with. On top of which resumes are bullshit anyway cuz I know as soon as I go in I'll have to fill out

OK, paranoia aside, I really need a job. Cant live off the GI Bill and its gonna run out soon anyway. Despite the fact that many people from the company have told me they are hiring tons of people all over the plant, this recruiter is saying they have precious few slots open. Besides, they are a well known company and very respectable. Also, it looks like I am guaranteed a position simply because of minimal experience and the fact one of the HR people is an acquaintance. To piss away a great chance like this is very stupid, and the Navy taught me humility long ago.
Fuck it. Guess I'll swallow my pride and redo the resume in chrono format. I know they wont discriminate against a male Caucasian these days, especially not for the type of experience they need. And too many decent people around here dont have jobs at all.

Thanks for the advice guys. I really appreciate it.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top