W4 adjustments

Forum|Forum|27 days ago
May 13, 2026
1 reply
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Married, filing jointly, three dependents (one is 18 and in college). Two incomes, 22% bracket. We owed more in 2025 than other years. Our charitable donations typically make us itemize, but this year took standard deduction. Should I adjust one or both W-4s to prevent owing a large sum next year. And how? Also curious about sheltering in my HSA. Thanks!

Ask the Experts - W4 - May 2026

Alicia65

Employee Tax Expert

I would adjust both. I suggest not adding the children to either. The W4 tells your employer how much to withhold. Being a full picture is not present on your W4 and you add the children it is assumed you are getting full credits for them even if you are not. They still will go on your 1040. Also being a multiple income family it is important not to skip over Step 2 pf the W4 W4 . Also a yearly check on what your liability would be to use The W4 Calculator. W4 Calculator

As far as HSA goes :

A Health Savings Account (HSA) provides a "triple tax benefit" by allowing for tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified medical expenses. Within TurboTax, you can shelter your income by maximizing these deductible contributions and ensuring your account is accurately reported and utilized for medical costs.