@kogi58 wrote:
The form basically says: if you file jointly and have about the same income to check a certain box. It won't apply to us.
That's Step 2 option (c). If it doesn't apply to you, then don't check the box.
@kogi58 wrote:
Now my HR tells me we both have to claim the children on our W4 as we have a joint income. . . . Does anyone know about this?
That's nonsense. The form and the instructions clearly say to claim the children on only one W-4. The HR people may be experts in human resources. They are obviously not tax experts. Do not rely on them for tax advice.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator will eliminate all the confusion. It will tell you what you should each put on your W-4s. As I said before, it will let you adjust your withholding to get the approximate refund amount that you want.
Note that Step 2 on the W-4 form says the following.
"Do only one of the following.
(a) Use the estimator . . .
(b) Use the Multiple Jobs Worksheet . . .
(c) . . . you may check this box."
Also note that the instructions for Step 2 say "Option (a) most accurately calculates the additional tax you need to have withheld."
Use the Tax Withholding Estimator. It will solve all your problems.
