0 Withholdings when Married?

[SLBryant428]

Hi!

No matter what my Spouse and I always seem to owe. In the past before we were married we always filled out our W4 with 0 Withholdings, I know this is no longer available to do and we each have to put at least 1 being ourselves.

But, if we choose Married Filing Jointly on our W4 will this increase our withholdings to 2 (Self/Spouse) - combining them on our taxes to be 4?

If we choose Single on our W4 can we still file Married?

Thank you!

[KrisD15]

The Standard Deduction for Married Filing Jointly is twice the Standard Deduction for single, so one claiming single is the same as both claiming Married Filing Jointly. The total withholding (for you both) would not change.

Yes, you can choose Single on your W-4 and then file Married Filing Jointly. 

On your W-4, you can also indicate that you will have additional income not subject to withholding, in which case the withholding on your wages can be increased. It should be fairly easy to ask your employer to withhold a bit more tax if that's what you want to do. 

[SLBryant428]

Thank you so much for your help!