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Hi!   I contributed to my Roth IRA for 2025 and 2026, but it turns out my combined income (married filing jointly) is over the limit, so I'm not eligible to make direct Roth contributions. I called... See more...
Hi!   I contributed to my Roth IRA for 2025 and 2026, but it turns out my combined income (married filing jointly) is over the limit, so I'm not eligible to make direct Roth contributions. I called my bank to see if I could reclassify the contributions. They told me I can contribute to a Traditional IRA instead, but I wouldn’t be able to take the tax deduction due to my income level. My CPA didn’t mention this option, and I haven’t been able to find clear information online confirming that I can still contribute to a Traditional IRA (non-deductible) under these circumstances. Can anyone clarify this for me?   Thanks!!
Hi, how do I reduce the amount I owe for taxes from HYSA? I think that my job is withholding enough based on my income but not too sure. Should I ask my job to withhold more to account for the intere... See more...
Hi, how do I reduce the amount I owe for taxes from HYSA? I think that my job is withholding enough based on my income but not too sure. Should I ask my job to withhold more to account for the interest earned on my HYSA? Or should I be making estimated tax payments? I ended up having to pay 1.5k in taxes this year. Luckily, there was no penalty for underpayment since I met the conditions. But I would like to avoid the possibility of underpayment
Owing federal income tax at the end of the year.  Here are some scenarios: Under-withholding: Each job assumes you have only one source of income.   Your tax rate increases as your income... See more...
Owing federal income tax at the end of the year.  Here are some scenarios: Under-withholding: Each job assumes you have only one source of income.   Your tax rate increases as your income rises.  Limited Standard Deduction: You can only claim one standard deduction on your tax return, regardless of the number of jobs you hold.   Incorrect W-4 Form: Outdated or inaccurate information on your W-4 forms, especially regarding allowances or multiple jobs, can lead to under-withholding.  Other income sources without withholding: If you have other sources of income that don't have taxes automatically withheld, like side work, investment income or self-employment,  you'll need to account for those when determining your tax liability.  How to avoid owing taxes or a large tax bill:  Complete a new W-4 Form.   Here is a great link to calculate your tax liability and prepare an updated W-4:  W-4 Tax Calculator   Account for all income sources:   When completing your W-4 form, ensure you account for all sources of income, including secondary jobs and other income sources that do not have automatic withholdings.  Make estimated tax payments:  You can make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS.  Here is the link for estimated tax payments:   IRS estimated tax payments 
The wife and I file jointly, both have W2s and claim married and 0, wife has a state retirement that she receives a 1099-R for, It is also set up on married and 0. we end up owing every year. How do ... See more...
The wife and I file jointly, both have W2s and claim married and 0, wife has a state retirement that she receives a 1099-R for, It is also set up on married and 0. we end up owing every year. How do I fix that?
to clarify "110% if your Adjusted Gross Income in previous years was over 75,000 if filing single  or 150,000 if filing jointly"   the threshold for filing single is 150k also.  it's 75k if married... See more...
to clarify "110% if your Adjusted Gross Income in previous years was over 75,000 if filing single  or 150,000 if filing jointly"   the threshold for filing single is 150k also.  it's 75k if married filing separately   from form 2210 instructions:   Higher income taxpayers. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2023 was more than $150,000 ($75,000 if your 2023 filing status was married filing separately), substitute 110% for 100% in (2) above
In short, yes.    Typically, when it comes to severance, the employer withholds a flat 22% supplemental wage rate.  (Though this can be as high as 37% for amounts that exceed $1 million.)   This... See more...
In short, yes.    Typically, when it comes to severance, the employer withholds a flat 22% supplemental wage rate.  (Though this can be as high as 37% for amounts that exceed $1 million.)   This withholding includes not just federal income tax but also Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA).    If you've run your numbers and determined that you will owe more tax, yes, you should make estimated payments.  Estimated payments are due quarterly on the 15th with the last payment for the year due January 15th of the following year.  So for this year (2025) you've already missed the first quarterly payment.  The second will be due June 15th, the third September 15th and the final in January 2026.  Don't wait until April 2026 to pay your estimated taxes - you will open yourself up to interest and/or penalty.  Remember, we are supposed to pay tax throughout the year as we earn income.  (If you are not sure how much tax to pay, you may want to use one of our calculators to assist you.  ( Tax Calculator ).  Here is an article about how TurboTax calculates your estimated payment amounts:  How Does TurboTax calculate my estimated payment amount?    If you make your payments online at irs.gov/payments, make sure you choose to have your payment applied to the correct year (2025).  You'd be surprised how many people accidentally choose the wrong type of payment and the wrong year!   **Please say "Thanks" by clicking the thumbs up icon in a post ***Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on the "Mark as Best Answer"
Hi,   I am single with one W2 job and a 1099 side hustle. I usually end up with a refund at the end of the year of at least $2000. What would the optimal # of allowances be for me?
what do i need to do so i won't owe federal taxes?
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... See more...
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 TurboTax 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. The Multiple Jobs Worksheet is located within the Instructions to the Form W-4. In order to calculate the amount to report on Line 4c you will match the highest earning W2 and the lower earning W2 column in the table. Within the table you will locate the amount of extra withholdings to report. Divide this amount by the number of pay periods for the W2 earnings to calculate the amount required to withhold in addition to regular withholdings. 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. TurboTax Withholding Calculator 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"
If you're using the table to complete the "Multiple Jobs Worksheet", then the amount you arive at on line four in Step 2(b) of the Multiple Jobs Worksheet is the number you will put in Step 4(c) of t... See more...
If you're using the table to complete the "Multiple Jobs Worksheet", then the amount you arive at on line four in Step 2(b) of the Multiple Jobs Worksheet is the number you will put in Step 4(c) of the main W-4 form.  This is additional withholding.  Most people enter it on the W-4 form for the highest paying job, but you can also break the total amount up between multiple jobs W-4s.   @Ari9  Hope this helps! Cindy
Yes, the total makes up 20%.
My followup question is this:   Since we are talking about a likely tax liability for this of over $4,000 I'm thinking that I should make the payment this year and not wait until next year to file ... See more...
My followup question is this:   Since we are talking about a likely tax liability for this of over $4,000 I'm thinking that I should make the payment this year and not wait until next year to file my 2025 tax return. What process should I follow to do that, other than of course completing the 1099R as you described. Can I use Turbotax for this even though I've already used it to file my 2024 tax return?    Thank you so much. I may have more later.
The withholding estimator can be found at the IRS site https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator/income-and-withholding/ A good rule of thumb is to claim 0 exemptions and if necessary you ... See more...
The withholding estimator can be found at the IRS site https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator/income-and-withholding/ A good rule of thumb is to claim 0 exemptions and if necessary you can have your employers deduct additional amounts such as $20 more each pay period.
My severance payment from my previous employer will not withhold enough federal tax for 2025.  Do I need to make estimated tax payments before April 2026?  
Hello, my husband and I both work. I make more than him. We have no children and no deductions. Ever since we were married 4 years ago, we end up having to pay about $4k in taxes each year. What do I... See more...
Hello, my husband and I both work. I make more than him. We have no children and no deductions. Ever since we were married 4 years ago, we end up having to pay about $4k in taxes each year. What do I need to do to prevent this? We live in North Carolina 
I recently started a second job this year. My wife and I each have one main job, so we are married filling jointly with a total of 3 jobs. I filled out the w4 form using the tables to determine how m... See more...
I recently started a second job this year. My wife and I each have one main job, so we are married filling jointly with a total of 3 jobs. I filled out the w4 form using the tables to determine how much should be taken out of our checks. The amount I got was 386$?  What do I do with this number. Is this the total that I should be taking out of all 3 jobs or just the highest paying job? Should the lowest paying job, my second job, even have taxes taken out? Thanks in advance  for your help 
I need to talk to someone about calculations on my 2023 return but the moronic AI refuses to connect me and there is no contact information on the website.
Our W-4 Calculator is a great tool.   The IRS also offers an estimator.  I also want to mention that if you have multiple jobs through the year giving you multiple W-2s, this can be an issue.  The di... See more...
Our W-4 Calculator is a great tool.   The IRS also offers an estimator.  I also want to mention that if you have multiple jobs through the year giving you multiple W-2s, this can be an issue.  The different jobs don't know about the other jobs, so to speak.  When you work for a company, the payroll software usually looks at what you're on track to earn for the year.  Each company's software would have no idea about the other earnings.  You can adjust for this by completing the multiple jobs worksheet included with the W-4 form to arrive at a number to put on Step 4(c) for extra withholding each pay period.  Most folks just pick the highest paying job to have the extra withheld from.   @Katheryn Hope this helps! Cindy
He had SS that I had a Tax Advisor help with. Then I changed my status to single for 2025, which reduced my take home (a decent amount). Thank you for your condolences.