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May 28, 2025
9:38 AM
I’m not clear on how to update my W-4. I want my employer to remove the maximum amount of tax from my pay so I don’t have to pay taxes when I file. And I can get a refund. Up until this change with t...
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I’m not clear on how to update my W-4. I want my employer to remove the maximum amount of tax from my pay so I don’t have to pay taxes when I file. And I can get a refund. Up until this change with the W-4, it meant putting zero but now that doesn’t even work. So what should I put under federal and state? My employer’s form only asks for Qualifying dependent amount USD under Fed. And # of allowances under State. Is $4000 for dependents correct? What is the difference between putting 0,1, or 2 for Total # of allowances? I appreciate your input.
May 28, 2025
9:37 AM
1 Cheer
The (new) W-4 has a place where you can withhold additional amounts per paycheck. For example, if you owed money for 2024 (let's say $1,200), then you can add $50 as a manual add to your W-4 if you ...
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The (new) W-4 has a place where you can withhold additional amounts per paycheck. For example, if you owed money for 2024 (let's say $1,200), then you can add $50 as a manual add to your W-4 if you are paid twice a month which will then withhold (full year) an additional $1,200. When you get a raise, it is a good time to update that additional amount. The IRS also has a free W-4 calculator that helps you determine what additional amount may be needed in your situation. It also takes into account income that does not have withholding (such as investment income, rental income, etc). Here's that tool: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator
Thanks for asking your question!
May 28, 2025
9:37 AM
Thank you for your great question. Here is what I tell everyone. If you are owing money, the government(s) do not care if it comes from one source of income or multiple so sometimes you can just pi...
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Thank you for your great question. Here is what I tell everyone. If you are owing money, the government(s) do not care if it comes from one source of income or multiple so sometimes you can just pick one source and have all the money come from that one source. For example, if you have multiple employers or retirement accounts maybe pick only the ones you want withholdings to come out of for federal and state.
(some states do not have income taxes so disregard if you are in one of those states)
Then look at these links to learn what a W4 looks like and how to fill one out.
If you have a retirment account, then you might use a W-4 P but there are basically the same.
How to fill out a W4 Instructions on how to fill out a W4
W4 calculator Use to help fill out a W4
Form W4 Actual W4. Line 4c is where you would add extra withholdings from each check.
Once you have filled out the W-4, then in a few months maybe use the links below to do a tax estimator. This will tell you how much you might owe after making the changes. You can do a tax estimator several times per year. If you have changed your withholdings mid year, you will want to see that you keep owing less as the year goes on.
IRS Tax estimator This is a tax estimator that will time out so enter and print findings all at one sitting.
Tax caster This is another tax estimator that will time out so enter and print findings all at one sitting.
I hope you find this information useful.
For state withholdings, it is hard to find a tax estimator for each state but they will have a state withholdings form that you can fill out.
Katie S
May 28, 2025
9:37 AM
1 Cheer
TurboTax has an amazing tax caster that will generate a new W-4 when you simply enter the numbers you indicated in your question along with your MFJ status and claiming the kiddos. Here is the lin...
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TurboTax has an amazing tax caster that will generate a new W-4 when you simply enter the numbers you indicated in your question along with your MFJ status and claiming the kiddos. Here is the link: W-4 Tax Calculator
Having multiple jobs can increase the likelihood of owing federal income tax at the end of the year. Here's why:
Under-withholding:
Each job assumes you have only one source of income. When you fill out your W-4 form for each job, they typically withhold taxes as if that were your sole income. This means that the tax withholdings may not be enough to cover your total tax liability from all sources of income.
Progressive tax system. The US uses a progressive tax system where your tax rate increases as your income rises. Having a second job can push your total income into a higher tax bracket.
Limited Standard Deduction:
You can only claim one standard deduction on your tax return, regardless of the number of jobs you hold. If each of your jobs is not taking this into account, your overall taxable income might be higher than anticipated.
Incorrect W-4 Form:
Outdated or inaccurate information on your W-4 forms, especially regarding allowances or multiple jobs, can equal under-withholding.
Other income sources without withholding:
You have a side job/self-employment you'll need to account for those when determining your tax liability.
May 28, 2025
9:36 AM
How do I change my W-4 so I don’t owe as much in taxes each year? I think I chose the mid-range option (between the lowest and highest rate) but I still end up owing around $1000 in Federal taxes eve...
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How do I change my W-4 so I don’t owe as much in taxes each year? I think I chose the mid-range option (between the lowest and highest rate) but I still end up owing around $1000 in Federal taxes every year.
May 28, 2025
9:35 AM
2 Cheers
You want to increase your take-home pay, which means you want less federal income tax withheld from each paycheck. While this sounds great, it's crucial to understand the potential consequence: you m...
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You want to increase your take-home pay, which means you want less federal income tax withheld from each paycheck. While this sounds great, it's crucial to understand the potential consequence: you might owe taxes at the end of the year, and potentially even face an underpayment penalty if you under-withhold significantly.
Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator: This online tool helps you determine the right number of allowances to claim based on your financial situation. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator
Claim Dependents and Other Credits: If you have qualifying children or other dependents, claiming them here will reduce your withholding.
4(c) Extra Withholding: This is the line where you specify an additional dollar amount you want withheld from each paycheck. To increase take-home pay, you should make sure this line is BLANK or set to $0.
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-forms/what-is-a-w-4-form/L2NapDzX2
Please be aware that the biggest risk of adjusting your W-4 for more take-home pay is that you could end up owing taxes at the end of the year. If you owe more than a certain amount (generally $1,000), you might also face an underpayment penalty.
@Thania42 Thanks for the question!!
May 28, 2025
9:35 AM
Hello, I declare $50k a year and my wife $35k per year for the last 4 years we have been averaging $6k in refund This year it was $2.5k Is there something I need to do to increase my refund We hav...
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Hello, I declare $50k a year and my wife $35k per year for the last 4 years we have been averaging $6k in refund This year it was $2.5k Is there something I need to do to increase my refund We have two children (dependents)
May 28, 2025
9:35 AM
Test
May 28, 2025
9:34 AM
You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to estimate the extra amount you should withhold. Divide the amount among your remaining pay periods for the current year and note that amount to Form W...
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You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to estimate the extra amount you should withhold. Divide the amount among your remaining pay periods for the current year and note that amount to Form W-4 Line 4(c). It will add to your Federal withholdings on your W-2. If you have too much withheld, it will be refunded on your tax return.
May 28, 2025
9:33 AM
Yes, but I'd rather have it as a lump sum instead of an extra $200 per paycheck. So can you just anwer my original question? I don't need actualy tax advice, I just need to know how to practically ch...
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Yes, but I'd rather have it as a lump sum instead of an extra $200 per paycheck. So can you just anwer my original question? I don't need actualy tax advice, I just need to know how to practically change my W2 to increase my refund.
May 28, 2025
9:30 AM
For TY 2024, my wife and I filed jointly. We both work full-time, and we ended up owing much more than we expected, nearly $2600. We asked for a call-back at the end of our filing and the person we s...
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For TY 2024, my wife and I filed jointly. We both work full-time, and we ended up owing much more than we expected, nearly $2600. We asked for a call-back at the end of our filing and the person we spoke with said that my wife's withholding was only around 10% when it should have been greater than 20%. She has looked at her current W-4 information on her employer's Workday system, and we have a few questions: 1. Her current info has "Number of Allowances" set to 1. Should this be a different value? 2. What does "Allowances" mean? Is it the same as Deductions or something different? 3. How should we fill out the "multiple jobs or spouse works" field? Thank you!
May 28, 2025
9:30 AM
Mark on Form W-4 that you are Single. You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to estimate any extra amount you should withhold. Divide the amount among your remaining pay periods for the curre...
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Mark on Form W-4 that you are Single. You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to estimate any extra amount you should withhold. Divide the amount among your remaining pay periods for the current year and note that amount to Form W-4 Line 4(c). It will add to your Federal withholdings on your W-2. If you have too much withheld, it will be refunded on your tax return.
May 28, 2025
9:30 AM
1 Cheer
You should report any additional income earned from a second job on the highest earners Form W4 and increase the withholdings in the extra withholdings section of the Form W4. You will locate the app...
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You should report any additional income earned from a second job on the highest earners Form W4 and increase the withholdings in the extra withholdings section of the Form W4. You will locate the appropriate amount in the worksheet for multiple jobs found in the instructions. For married taxpayers, coordinating the withholdings is essential, given the potential combined income to affect tax brackets and tax liabilities. The goal is to withhold enough to match your tax liability, avoiding both a large tax bill and overpaying, which effectively gives the government an interest-free loan. Key Steps to Adjust Withholdings To ensure you and your spouse do not owe money each year:
Understand Your Tax Situation
Combined Income and Filing Status: Most Couples benefit from filing jointly, which doubles certain deductions. However, calculate both joint and separate filing options to determine the most advantageous approach.
Deductions and Credits: Account for eligible deductions (e.g. mortgage interest, charitable contributions) and credits (e.g. Child Tax Credit) that reduce taxable income.
Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
Complete and Update Form W-4
Submit New Forms to include the Multiple Jobs Worksheet: If both spouses work, use the Multiple Jobs Worksheet to coordinate withholdings. This prevents under-withholding, which can lead to a tax bill. For example, if both earn similar amounts, check the box on Line 2c of Form W-4 to indicate this, ensuring proper withholding.
Additional Withholding: Use Line 4c on Form W-4 to request extra withholding if you anticipate owing more due to non-wage income or other factors. This can help cover potential shortfalls.
Review and Adjust Periodically
Annual Review: Check withholdings at least once a year, especially after major life events. The IRS recommends a "Paycheck Checkup" to ensure withholdings align with your tax liability.
Monitor Paystubs: Regularly review paystubs to confirm correct amount is being withheld.
Additional Resources
IRS Publication 505: Provides detailed worksheets and examples for tax withholdings and estimated tax.
Form W-4 with Instructions plus Multiple Jobs Worksheet.
Have an amazing day! Zachary W (CPA 9+ years) I would love a thumbs up 🙂 + Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
May 28, 2025
9:29 AM
Hello - both myself and my husband file jointly and have full-time salaried positions. However, every year we seem to under-pay our taxes and have to pay more and a underpayment penalty. Should I be ...
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Hello - both myself and my husband file jointly and have full-time salaried positions. However, every year we seem to under-pay our taxes and have to pay more and a underpayment penalty. Should I be taking out more from my W-4? How do I do that? Do you have an example of what a W-4 should look like that I submit to my employer? Currently, most of the fields are blank since I am salaried I thought they took out the right amount of taxes based on my salary?
May 28, 2025
9:27 AM
Both of my jobs are based out of a state that I don't live in...My wife and I live in DE but both companies that I work for are based out of PA. Because I file jointly with my wife, I have to file DE...
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Both of my jobs are based out of a state that I don't live in...My wife and I live in DE but both companies that I work for are based out of PA. Because I file jointly with my wife, I have to file DE taxes because her job is DE. How can I put extra money aside to pay DE taxes (pay DE taxes ahead so I don't get caught owing DE taxes at the end of the year). I don't want additional taken out of my wife's pay, I'd rather have additional taken out of my PA pay. Is this possible, if so how? Thanks
May 28, 2025
9:27 AM
Hello - I have 18 year old triplets and one has a disabilities. How should I alter my W4 to reflect they changes in dependents?
May 28, 2025
9:27 AM
You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to estimate the extra amount you should withhold. Divide the amount among your remaining pay periods for the current year and note that amount to Form W-...
See more...
You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to estimate the extra amount you should withhold. Divide the amount among your remaining pay periods for the current year and note that amount to Form W-4 Line 4(c). It will add to your Federal withholdings on your W-2. If you have too much withheld, it will be refunded on your tax return.
May 28, 2025
9:27 AM
One method you can use is to increase your federal withholdings by completing new W-4 forms. When completing the W-4, complete Step 2 of the Form W-4 instructions to account for a working spouse. Un...
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One method you can use is to increase your federal withholdings by completing new W-4 forms. When completing the W-4, complete Step 2 of the Form W-4 instructions to account for a working spouse. Underwithholding can occur if both spouses enter Married Filing Joint filing status in Step 1 and fail to complete Step 2. You can also enter an amounts to be withheld per pay period in Step 4(c) for additional withholdings.
Using the estimate you have given of owing 3-6K each year, you can determine the additional amount needed by diving it by the number of pay periods you are paid. For example, if you are paid Bi-Weekly (26 pay periods) and you want to have an additional $3K withheld per year, you can enter $116 ($3,000 / 26 - Rounded up) on line 4(c) of the W-4 form. You can each make these changes to your W-4 so you are able to increase the federal withholdings based on your income.
May 28, 2025
9:26 AM
is there a CA k-1. because that's where it should show up
May 28, 2025
9:26 AM
2025 will be much different than our 2024. We purchased a home at the end of 2024 and are expecting our first child in a matter of weeks. We file jointly but in past years we each withheld as single/...
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2025 will be much different than our 2024. We purchased a home at the end of 2024 and are expecting our first child in a matter of weeks. We file jointly but in past years we each withheld as single/married filing separately, to reduce how much we owed at the end, since we could only do standard deduction. 2025 will mark the first year we can itemize deductions from mortgage interest and claim child tax credit. My wife will also be receiving state benefits for FMLA/CFRA and PFL for 5-6 months and I will be receiving PFL for 2 months. What would be the best way for us both to fill out our W4's (possibly DE4 as well,) for 2025? As is currently, after itemized deductions, it appears we will not be owing this year, but we also want to consider our state benefits and would like to be close to 0 at the end of the tax year.