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it would probably do no good contacting ADP directly. you need to contact your employer. however, if your employer or ADP did not file your W-2 with the Social Security Administration, then the IRS does not know it exists and therefore it's not the reason for the review. More likely the IRS got a copy, but you didn't and that's the reason.

My suggestion would be first to maybe do a tax estimator.  Here are two sites where you can do that:   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.   This will give you an idea of what to expect when you do your taxes for 2025.   Then, if you need to change your W4s, you can use these links: 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. If you make changes to your W4s, you can do as many tax estimators as you like after you have made the changes to see how those withholding changes are making the amount owed or refunded go up or down.   For the state, it is hard to find an estimator but you could figure the tax rate for the state and do the estimate yourself.  You could also call your state and ask them how they would suggest you figure out an estimate.   I hope you have found this information helpful. Katie S

When you and your spouse are in a top combined federal tax bracket and want to avoid a large year-end payment, the best approach is to ensure that enough tax is withheld from each of your paychecks to account for your combined income.   The key to this for high-income, two-earner households is to accurately use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and pay close attention to Step 2 (Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works) and Step 4(c) (Extra Withholding) on the Form W-4.   Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator: This tool helps you determine the precise amount to withhold based on your combined income, filing status, and other factors. It’s especially useful for high-income earners. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator  Account for Multiple Jobs: Complete this step if you (1) hold more than one job at a time, or (2) are married and plan to file a joint return and your spouse also works.    If you or your spouse have another job, complete Steps 3 through 4(b) on only one Form W-4.     Your withholding will be most accurate if you do this on the Form W-4 for the highest paying job.   3. Specify Additional Withholding:  Line 4(c): This is a powerful tool for high-income earners. Enter an additional amount to be withheld from each paycheck on line 4(c). The IRS estimator will calculate the precise adjustment needed to account for your combined income and will often instruct one or both of you to enter an "extra withholding" amount in Step 4(c) to cover the higher marginal tax rates on your combined income.               Please see, https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-forms/how-to-estimate-federal-  withholding/L99CO0yTK for more info about W4.   @a_nicolet0201 Thanks for the question!!

Hello Kerime181!  Thank you for joining us today!  It's very common for married couples with two incomes, especially at your income level, to end up owing taxes. This often happens because the standard withholding calculations for two jobs or two earners don't fully account for how your combined income pushes you into higher tax brackets. The good news is that with a combined income of $240k, you have good opportunities to adjust. Yes, the best route is for both of you to update your W-4s (and state withholding forms), but the key is to coordinate them using a specific tool. Here's the most effective strategy to ensure you owe nothing (or very close to nothing) at tax time:  IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (For Federal) This is by far the most crucial step for married couples with two jobs. It accounts for your combined income and allows you to set a precise target for your withholding. Go to: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator What you'll need: Your most recent pay stubs for both your jobs. Your most recent tax return (the one where you owed $14k). This helps the estimator understand your tax situation. Information on any other income (like your LLC's profit, if any, or investment income). Details on your current deductions (e.g., student loan interest paid, state and local taxes paid, any pre-tax contributions to 401(k), HSA). How to use it for your goal: Enter all your information accurately. When the estimator asks about your desired outcome, choose "as close to zero as possible." Crucial for two incomes: The estimator will specifically guide you on how to split the withholding. It might recommend checking the "Multiple Jobs" box in Step 2(c) on both W-4s, or it might suggest adding a specific "extra withholding" amount in Step 4(c) on one of your W-4s. Follow its recommendations precisely. Update Your Federal Form W-4s After using the IRS estimator, it will provide clear instructions on how to fill out a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, for each of your jobs. Do NOT send these forms to the IRS. Submit the updated W-4s to your respective employers' payroll or HR departments. Adjust Your State Withholding (If Applicable) Just like federal, your state has its own withholding form. Find Your State Form: Search your state's Department of Revenue website for "Employee's Withholding Certificate" or "State W-4." Coordinate: While few states have an estimator as robust as the IRS's, you can apply similar principles: Consider claiming fewer allowances/exemptions on your state W-4s (e.g., 0 or 1 on each) to increase withholding. Look for a line for "additional amount of tax to be withheld" per pay period. This is where you can add a fixed dollar amount to ensure enough state tax is withheld. You might need to estimate your state tax liability and divide it by the number of pay periods remaining in the year to figure out this amount. Consider Strategies Beyond Withholding Maximize Pre-Tax Retirement Contributions: With a $240k income, you're likely in a higher tax bracket. Contributing more to your 401(k)s (especially if your employers offer them) or traditional IRAs significantly reduces your taxable income. For example, if you both contribute the maximum to your 401(k)s, that's a substantial reduction to your gross income before taxes are even calculated. Example: If you both contribute $23,000 (2024 limit) to your 401(k)s, that's a $46,000 reduction in taxable income right there. Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: If you have a high-deductible health plan, contribute to an HSA. These contributions are tax-deductible. Student Loan Interest Deduction: While you mentioned it "didn't do much," ensure you're claiming the maximum $2,500 deduction for student loan interest if you're eligible (it phases out at higher incomes, but some may still qualify). Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction: If you pay for your health insurance through your LLC, ensure you take this deduction on Schedule 1 (Form 1040). Estimated Tax Payments for LLC: If your LLC is profitable and you don't take a salary from it, ensure you're making quarterly estimated tax payments for that income, both federal and state. Your $14k balance could be partly due to insufficient payments on your LLC income throughout the year. Monitor and Re-evaluate Check Pay Stubs: After you submit your new W-4s, check your first few paychecks to ensure the correct amounts are being withheld. Re-run Estimator Mid-Year: If you get a raise, change jobs, have a significant change in your LLC's profitability, or any other major life event, re-run the IRS Withholding Estimator and adjust again. Annual Review: Make it a habit to review your withholding annually, ideally early in the new year. By proactively using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and adjusting both your federal and state W-4s (or making estimated payments for other types of income), you should be able to get your tax owed down to zero or a very small amount next year. Helpful links: IRS Tax Withholding Estimator  About Form W4  TurboTax Tools W4 Calculator  Top 5 Reasons to adjust you W4 and withholdings  Please feel free to reach backout with any additional questions or concerns you might have! Thank you for joining us today and have an amazing rest of your day!   **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer.”    

Yes, you must include your side job income on your return.  You also include the estimated taxes you paid for that income in the payments section.  The side income may bump you into a higher tax bracket. 

If you are owing money, the government(s) does 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, 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. 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 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. TaxCaster  This is another tax estimator that will time out so enter and print findings all at one sitting.   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.     Now the short answer, I also like to sometimes just stay with what is already on your W4 and just figure out what might be owed extra and then divide that by how many pay periods you have in a year and put that number on 4c.  Let's say you owe $1000 next year after changing your W4s.  Then take $1000/ (number of pay periods in the year) and put that amount on 4c.  Ex.  1000/52 (paid every week)=19.2 or rounded up to $20 per pay period.     I would then do some tax estimators (see links above) later in the year and see if your extra withholdings are helping!    I hope you find this information useful.     Katie S  

No, you typically do not include either of your dependents income on your return (there is an investment income exception discussed in the link below).   They may have a filing requirement on their own if either earned more than $14,600 or had more than $1,300 of investment income in 2024.  Tax Filing Requirements for Children If each one earned less than the $14,600, you may still want to file if state or Federal taxes were withheld and you want to claim the refund.

Marking the multiple jobs box on the W-4 for your lower-paying job instead of your higher paying-job can underestimate your total tax liability, resulting in too little tax withheld throughout the year- which could lead to: 1-Owing taxes when you file your return 2-Potential underpayment penalties and interest 3- Smaller paycheck adjustment now and larger tax bill later.   The form assumes the job where you checked the box is higher paying one and calculate the extra withholding accordingly. The IRS assumes you are earning more from that job than you actually are and your other job is less significant, so the higher paying job withholds at a lower rate and the lower job doesn't withhold enough either.