Dependent.

[Bielsa37]

Married filing jointly. We have one child under 17. Just changed my federal W-4 to account for our new child. Paycheck went up from this but just wanted to make sure this was the correct move so I don’t owe on taxes come return time.

[Cindy4]

It will be best to use this withholding calculator to be sure you're on track not to owe at the end of the year.  If adjustments are recommended, the boxes to adjust will be diplayed at the end.  The IRS adjusted tax brackets to make them wider for 2024 and with the additon of adding a dependent on your W-4, you will want to be sure not to get a surprise tax bill!

Hope this helps!

Cindy

[Terri Lynn · Accepted solution]

Good morning, Bielsa37!

 You mentioned you just filled out a new W4 to include your new dependent and yes, this means they will withhold less out of each paycheck, and will result in the higher take home pay you are getting.  

The reason for  this is they are accounting for the 2024 tax year ,(tax returns filed in 2025), child tax credit. Currently it  will be $2,000, per child  with $1,700  of that being potentially refundable through the additional child tax credit.

How much of an impact this will have on your overall tax return results, depends on many factors,  total earned and taxable income,  all combined withholdings, payments, deductions and credits.  

My suggestion is to check out where you are in terms of  taxes,  periodically throughout the year, to avoid any sort of major surprises at tax time. , This is especially important when experiencing any major life changes, or changes to anything financially related. 

Below are some links to help to see where you are currently in terms of your withholdings and overall tax outcome:

• TurboTax W4 Calculator 
• Tax Withholding Estimator 

Thank you for joining us today and have a great rest of your day!

Terri Lynn, EA

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